bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Mechanical Properties of ZrO2-Impregnated PMMA Nanocomposite for Denture-Based Applications
Authors: Zidan Saleh , Silikas Nikolaos , Alhotan Abdulaziz , Haider Julfikar , Yates Julian
Published: April 2019

Acrylic resin PMMA (poly-methyl methacrylate) is used in the manufacture of denture bases but its mechanical properties can be deficient in this role. This study investigated the mechanical properties (flexural strength, fracture toughness, impact strength, and hardness) and fracture behavior of a commercial, high impact (HI), heat-cured denture base acrylic resin impregnated with different concentrations of yttria-stabilized zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles. Six groups were prepared having different wt% concentrations of ZrO2 nanoparticles: 0% (control), 1.5%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10%, respectively. Flexural strength and flexural modulus were measured using a three-point bending test and surface hardness was evaluated using the Vickers hardness test. Fracture toughness and impact strength were evaluated using a single edge bending test and Charpy impact instrument. The fractured surfaces of impact test specimens were also observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Statistical analyses were conducted on the data obtained from the experiments. The mean flexural strength of ZrO2/PMMA nanocomposites (84 ± 6 MPa) at 3 wt% zirconia was significantly greater than that of the control group (72 ± 9 MPa) (p < 0.05). The mean flexural modulus was also significantly improved with different concentrations of zirconia when compared to the control group, with 5 wt% zirconia demonstrating the largest (23%) improvement. The mean fracture toughness increased in the group containing 5 wt% zirconia compared to the control group, but it was not significant. However, the median impact strength for all groups containing zirconia generally decreased when compared to the control group. Vickers hardness (HV) values significantly increased with an increase in ZrO2 content, with the highest values obtained at 10 wt%, at 0 day (22.9 HV0.05) in dry conditions when compared to the values obtained after immersing the specimens for seven days (18.4 HV0.05) and 45 days (16.3 HV0.05) in distilled water. Incorporation of ZrO2 nanoparticles into high impact PMMA resin significantly improved flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness and surface hardness, with an optimum concentration of 3–5 wt% zirconia. However, the impact strength of the nanocomposites decreased, apart from the 5 wt% zirconia group.
Multi-Objective Optimization for Grinding Parameters of 20CrMnTiH Gear with Ceramic Microcrystalline Corundum
Authors: Zhang Shengyong , Zhang Genbao , Ran Yan , Wang Zhichao , Wang Wen
Published: April 2019

(1) The alloy material 20CrMnTiH is widely used in gear manufacturing, but difficult to process, and its quantity (efficiency) and quality (surface quality) are generally negative correlation indicators. As a difficult but realistic problem, it is of important practical significance to explore how to efficiently grind high-precision low-carbon alloy gear workpieces. (2) Firstly, the pixel method was applied to analyze the grinding principles and explore the grinding parameters—the grinding wheel speed and grinding wheel frame moving speed—as well as the feed rate, which impacts the grinding indicators. Secondly, based on the ceramic microcrystalline corundum grinding wheel and the 20CrMnTiH gear workpiece, controlled experiments with 28 groups of grinding parameters were conducted. Moreover, the impact curves of the grinding parameters on the grinding indicators—the grinding efficiency, grinding wheel life, and surface roughness—were obtained by the multiple linear regression method. Finally, the multi-objective optimization method was used to comprehensively optimize the grinding process. (3) Compared with the traditional grinding process, under optimized grinding parameters, the 20CrMnTiH gear workpieces have a lower surface roughness and a longer grinding wheel life, and require a shorter time to achieve grinding accuracy. (4) The grinding experiments showed that the grinding parameters are linearly related to the grinding indicators. The optimization results show that the precision, efficiency, and economy of the 20CrMnTiH gear grinding process have been improved via the comprehensive optimization of the grinding parameters.
Synthesis of the Tetragonal Phase of Zintl’s NaTl and Its Structure Determination from Powder Diffraction Data
Authors: Tiefenthaler Susanne , Korber Nikolaus , Gärtner Stefanie
Published: April 2019

A tetragonal distortion of the long-time known NaTl structure at 298 K was observed in different experimental setups, including Zintl’s original procedure of reducing Tl(I)-iodide by sodium liquid ammonia solutions. The powder diffraction pattern obtained by the high temperature synthesis using classical solid-state techniques allowed a model-independent unambiguous structure solution and refinement of tetragonal distorted NaTl (Rp = 0.0179, wRp = 0.0246, R = 0.0477, wR = 0.0527, GooF = 1.24).
Broad-Spectrum Anti-Adhesive Coating Based on an Extracellular Polymer from a Marine Cyanobacterium
Authors: Costa Bruna , Mota Rita , Parreira Paula , Tamagnini Paula , L. Martins M. Cristina , Costa Fabíola
Published: April 2019

Medical device-associated infections are a major health threat, representing about half of all hospital-acquired infections. Current strategies to prevent this problem based on device coatings with antimicrobial compounds (antibiotics or antiseptics) have proven to be insufficient, often toxic, and even promoting bacterial resistance. Herein, we report the development of an infection-preventive coating (CyanoCoating) produced with an extracellular polymer released by the marine cyanobacterium Cyanothece sp. CCY 0110. CyanoCoating was prepared by spin-coating and its bacterial anti-adhesive efficiency was evaluated against relevant etiological agents (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and platelets, both in the presence or absence of human plasma proteins. CyanoCoating cytotoxicity was assessed using the L929 fibroblasts cell line. CyanoCoating exhibited a smooth topography, low thickness and high hydrophilic properties with mild negative charge. The non-cytotoxic CyanoCoating prevented adhesion of all the bacteria tested (≤80%) and platelets (<87%), without inducing platelet activation (even in the presence of plasma proteins). The significant reduction in protein adsorption (<77%) confirmed its anti-adhesive properties. The development of this anti-adhesive coating is an important step towards the establishment of a new technological platform capable of preventing medical device-associated infections, without inducing thrombus formation in blood-contacting applications.
Vanillin as an Antifouling and Hydrophilicity Promoter Agent in Surface Modification of Polyethersulfone Membrane
Authors: Esmaeili Mohammadamin , Virtanen Tiina , Lahti Jussi , Mänttäri Mika , Kallioinen Mari
Published: April 2019

Fouling as an intricate process is considered as the main obstacle in membrane technologies, and its control is one of the main areas of attention in membrane processes. In this study, a commercial polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane (MWCO: 4000 g/mol) was surface modified with different concentrations of vanillin as an antifouling and hydrophilicity promoter to improve its performance. The presence of vanillin and its increasing adsorption potential trends in higher vanillin concentrations were clearly confirmed by observable changes in FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectra after modification. Membranes with better hydrophilicity (almost 30% lower contact angle in the best case) and higher polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) permeability were achieved after modification, where a 35–38% increase in permeability of aqueous solution of PEG was perceived when the membrane was modified at the highest exposure concentration of vanillin (2.8 g/L). After filtration of wood extract, surface modified membrane (2.8 g/L vanillin) showed better antifouling characteristics compared to unmodified membrane, as indicated by approximately 22% lower pure water flux reduction, which in turn improved the separation of lignin from the other organic compounds present in wood extract.
Material Flow in Ultrasonic Orbital Microforming
Authors: Presz Wojciech
Published: April 2019

Ultrasonic orbital microforming—UOM—uses the broadly understood idea of orbital forging but uses very different laws of physics. The only shaping force in this process is the inertia force resulting from the acceleration in the rotary motion of the workpiece. Micro specimen blanked from cold rolled aluminum sheet metal was used in the applied UOM process. Only the upper and lower part of the sample is deformed that gives about 70% of volume. The rest—the middle part—remains undeformed. The final shape of the product is influenced by the shape of the inside of the die in which the UMO process is carried out. However, this effect is not a direct one. The product shape does not repeat the shape of the interior of the die. The preliminary experiments with modular micro-die have been performed on the way of controlling the shape of deformed micro-objects. The microstructure analysis has been done as well as micro-hardness distribution.
Review on Beneficiation Techniques and Reagents Used for Phosphate Ores
Authors: Ruan Yaoyang , He Dongsheng , Chi Ruan
Published: April 2019

Phosphate ore is an important raw material for manufacturing fertilizers and phosphorous chemical products. While most of the phosphate resources cannot be directly treated as feed stock due to the low grade of P2O5 and high content of impurities. In order to obtain a qualified phosphate concentrate, the beneficiation of the low-grade phosphate ore is, hence, of great necessity. Many beneficiation techniques can be employed to upgrade the P2O5 grade of phosphate ores based on their characteristics in chemical composition and texture. The flotation process is most widely applied to balance the P2O5 recovery ratio and cost. In this review, the dominant techniques for the beneficiation of phosphate ores are introduced. Moreover, the factors that affect the flotation of phosphate ore, including the properties of mineralogy, flotation reagents (depressants and collectors) and flotation medium, were systematically analyzed.
The Characterization and Amoxicillin Adsorption Activity of Mesopore CaCO3 Microparticles Prepared Using Rape Flower Pollen
Authors: Zhou Lvshan , Peng Tongjiang , Sun Hongjuan , Guo Xiaogang , Fu Dong
Published: April 2019

A precipitation reaction method was employed to prepare mesopore calcium carbonate (CaCO3) using rape flower pollen as the template. CaCO3 adsorbent was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and Brunner−Emmet−Teller measurements (BET). The equilibrium adsorption data on amoxicillin were explained using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherm models. The pseudo-first order, second order, pseudo-second order, and intra-particle diffusion kinetic models were used to explore adsorption kinetics. Equilibrium adsorption of as-prepared CaCO3 was better depicted using the Langmuir adsorption model with an R2 of 0.9948. The separation factor (RL) was found to be in the range of 0 < RL < 1, indicating the favorable adsorption of amoxicillin. The adsorption capacity of mesopore CaCO3 reached 13.49 mg·g−1 in 0.2 g∙L−1 amoxicillin solution. The values of adsorption thermodynamic parameters (ΔHθ, ΔSθ, ΔGθ) were obtained. In addition, the adsorption process turned out to be endothermic and spontaneous for the CaCO3 product at 298 K, 308 K, and 318 K.
Excellent Temperature-Control Based on Reversible Thermochromic Materials for Light-Driven Phase Change Materials System
Authors: Ren Caixia , Liu Fangfang , Umair Malik Muhammad , Jin Xin , Zhang Shufen , Tang Bingtao
Published: April 2019

Light-driven phase change materials (PCMs) have received significant attention due to their capacity to convert visible light into thermal energy, storing it as latent heat. However, continuous photo-thermal conversion can cause the PCMs to reach high thermal equilibrium temperatures after phase transition. In our study, a novel light-driven phase change material system with temperature-control properties was constructed using a thermochromic compound. Thermochromic phase change materials (TC-PCMs) were prepared by introducing 2-anilino-6-dibutylamino-3-methylfluoran (ODB-2) and bisphenol A (BPA) into 1-hexadecanol (1-HD) in various proportions. Photo-thermal conversion performance was investigated with solar radiation (low power of 0.09 W/cm2) and a xenon lamp (at a high power of 0.14 W/cm2). The TC-PCMs showed a low equilibrium temperature due to variations in absorbance. Specifically, the temperature of TC-PCM180 (ODB-2, bisphenol A and 1-HD ratio 1:2:180) could stabilize at 54 °C approximately. TC-PCMs exhibited reversibility and repeatability after 20 irradiation and cooling cycles.
Characterisation of the Convective Hot-Air Drying and Vacuum Microwave Drying of Cassia alata: Antioxidant Activity, Essential Oil Volatile Composition and Quality Studies
Authors: Chua Lisa Yen Wen , Chua Bee Lin , Figiel Adam , Chong Chien Hwa , Wojdyło Aneta , Szumny Antoni , Lech Krzysztof
Published: April 2019

The preservation of active constituents in Cassia alata through the removal of moisture is crucial in producing a final product with high antioxidant activity. This study aims to determine the influences of various drying methods and drying conditions on the antioxidant activity, volatiles and phytosterols content of C. alata. The drying methods used were convective drying (CD) at 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C; freeze drying; vacuum microwave drying (VMD) at 6, 9 and 12 W/g; and two-stage convective pre-drying followed by vacuum microwave finish drying (CPD-VMFD) at 50 °C and 9 W/g. The drying kinetics of C. alata are best described by the thin-layer model (modified Page model). The highest antioxidant activity, TPC and volatile concentration were achieved with CD at 40 °C. GC–MS analysis identified the presence of 51 volatiles, which were mostly present in all samples but with quantitative variation. The dominant volatiles in fresh C. alata are 2-hexenal (60.28 mg 100 g−1 db), 1-hexanol (18.70 mg 100 g−1 db) and salicylic acid (15.05 mg 100 g−1 db). The concentration of phytosterols in fresh sample was 3647.48 mg 100 g−1 db, and the major phytosterols present in fresh and dried samples were β-sitosterol (1162.24 mg 100 g−1 db). CPD-VMFD was effective in ensuring the preservation of higher phytosterol content in comparison with CD at 50 °C. The final recommendation of a suitable drying method to dehydrate C. alata leaves is CD at 40 °C.
Encoded Library Technologies as Integrated Lead Finding Platforms for Drug Discovery
Authors: Ottl Johannes , Leder Lukas , Schaefer Jonas V. , Dumelin Christoph E.
Published: April 2019

The scope of targets investigated in pharmaceutical research is continuously moving into uncharted territory. Consequently, finding suitable chemical matter with current compound collections is proving increasingly difficult. Encoded library technologies enable the rapid exploration of large chemical space for the identification of ligands for such targets. These binders facilitate drug discovery projects both as tools for target validation, structural elucidation and assay development as well as starting points for medicinal chemistry. Novartis internalized two complementing encoded library platforms to accelerate the initiation of its drug discovery programs. For the identification of low-molecular weight ligands, we apply DNA-encoded libraries. In addition, encoded peptide libraries are employed to identify cyclic peptides. This review discusses how we apply these two platforms in our research and why we consider it beneficial to run both pipelines in-house.
Synthesis, Antibacterial Activities, Mode of Action and Acute Toxicity Studies of New Oxazolidinone-Fluoroquinolone Hybrids
Authors: Liu Lili , Shao Liping , Li Jing , Cui Haifeng , Li Bing , Zhou Xuzheng , Lv Pengyue , Zhang Jiyu
Published: April 2019

To combat bacterial resistance, a series of new oxazolidinone-fluoroquinolone hybrids have been synthesized and characterized. All synthetic hybrids were preliminarily evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activities against 6 standard strains and 3 clinical isolates. The majority of hybrids displayed excellent activities against Gram-positive bacteria, but limited activities against Gram-negative bacteria. Hybrids OBP-4 and OBP-5 were found to be the most promising compounds. Further, in vitro antibacterial activities, mode of action and acute toxicity in mice of hybrids OBP-4 and OBP-5 were investigated. Hybrids OBP-4 and OBP-5 exhibited potent activities against Gram-positive bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. Correspondingly, studies on the mode of action of hybrids OBP-4 and OBP-5 indicated a strong inhibitory activity on protein synthesis by binding the active site of 50S subunit, but a weak inhibitory action on DNA synthesis. In addition, LD50 values of hybrids OBP-4 and OBP-5 in the acute oral toxicity were larger than 2000 mg/kg, suggesting a good safety profile.
Inkjet Printing Functionalization of SOFC LSCF Cathodes
Authors: Venezia Eleonora , Viviani Massimo , Presto Sabrina , Kumar Vasant , Tomov Rumen
Published: April 2019

An important segment of the future renewable energy economy is the implementation of novel energy generation systems. Such electrochemical systems are solid oxide fuel cells, which have the advantage of direct conversion of the chemical energy stored in the fuel to electrical energy with high efficiency. Improving the performance and lowering the cost of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are strongly dependent on finding commercially viable methods for nano-functionalization of their electrodes via infiltration. Inkjet printing technology was proven to be a feasible method providing scalability and high-resolution ink delivery. LaxSr1−xCoyFe1−yO3−δ cathodes were modified using inkjet printing for infiltration with two different materials: Gd-doped ceria (CGO) commonly used as ion-conductor and La0.6Sr0.4CoO3–δ (LCO) commonly used as a mixed ionic electronic conductor. As-modified surface structures promoted the extension of the three-phase boundary (TPB) and enhanced the mechanisms of the oxygen reduction reaction. Electrochemical impedance measurements revealed significantly lowered polarization resistances (between 2.7 and 3.7 times) and maximum power output enhancement of 24% for CGO infiltrated electrodes and 40% for LCO infiltrated electrodes.
Short-Chain Modified SiO2 with High Absorption of Organic PCM for Thermal Protection
Authors: Wang Fuxian , Gao Shiyuan , Pan Jiachuan , Li Xiaomei , Liu Jian
Published: April 2019

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) have great potential in thermal protection applications but they suffer from high volumetric change and easy leakage, which require “leak-proof” packaging materials with low thermal conductivity. Herein, we successfully modify SiO2 through a simple 2-step method consisting of n-hexane activation followed by short-chain alkane silanization. The modified SiO2 (M-SiO2) exhibits superior hydrophobic property while maintaining the intrinsic high porosity of SiO2. The surface modification significantly improves the absorption rate of RT60 in SiO2 by 38%. The M-SiO2/RT60 composite shows high latent heat of 180 J·g−1, low thermal conductivity of 0.178 W·m−1·K−1, and great heat capacity behavior in a high-power thermal circuit with low penetrated heating flow. Our results provide a simple approach for preparing hydrophobic SiO2 with high absorption of organic PCM for thermal protection applications.
MicroRNAs in Neuroinflammation: Implications in Disease Pathogenesis, Biomarker Discovery and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Slota Jessy A. , Booth Stephanie A.
Published: April 2019

The central nervous system can respond to threat via the induction of an inflammatory response. Under normal circumstances this response is tightly controlled, however uncontrolled neuroinflammation is a hallmark of many neurological disorders. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that are important for regulating many cellular processes. The ability of microRNAs to modulate inflammatory signaling is an area of ongoing research, which has gained much attention in recent years. MicroRNAs may either promote or restrict inflammatory signaling, and either exacerbate or ameliorate the pathological consequences of excessive neuroinflammation. The aim of this review is to summarize the mode of regulation for several important and well-studied microRNAs in the context of neuroinflammation, including miR-155, miR-146a, miR-124, miR-21 and let-7. Furthermore, the pathological consequences of miRNA deregulation during disorders that feature neuroinflammation are discussed, including Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Prion diseases, Japanese encephalitis, Herpes encephalitis, ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury. There has also been considerable interest in the use of altered microRNA signatures as biomarkers for these disorders. The ability to modulate microRNA expression may even serve as the basis for future therapeutic strategies to help treat pathological neuroinflammation.
Capsaicin Analogues Derived from n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) Reduce Inflammatory Activity of Macrophages and Stimulate Insulin Secretion by β-Cells In Vitro
Authors: Cione Erika , Plastina Pierluigi , Pingitore Attilio , Perri Mariarita , Caroleo Maria Cristina , Fazio Alessia , Witkamp Renger , Meijerink Jocelijn
Published: April 2019

In this study, two capsaicin analogues, N-eicosapentaenoyl vanillylamine (EPVA) and N-docosahexaenoyl vanillylamine (DHVA), were enzymatically synthesized from their corresponding n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both dietary relevant components. The compounds significantly reduced the production of some lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO), macrophage-inflammatory protein-3α (CCL20) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1 or CCL2), by RAW264.7 macrophages. Next to this, only EPVA increased insulin secretion by pancreatic INS-1 832/13 β-cells, while raising intracellular Ca2+ and ATP concentrations. This suggests that the stimulation of insulin release occurs through an increase in the intracellular ATP/ADP ratio in the first phase, while is calcium-mediated in the second phase. Although it is not yet known whether EPVA is endogenously produced, its potential therapeutic value for diabetes treatment merits further investigation.
Biotin Is Required for the Zinc Homeostasis in the Skin
Authors: Ogawa Youichi , Kinoshita Manao , Sato Takuya , Shimada Shinji , Kawamura Tatsuyoshi
Published: April 2019

Patients with biotin deficiency present symptoms that are similar to those in patients with acrodermatitis enteropathica (inherent zinc deficiency). However, the association between biotin and zinc deficiency remains unknown. We have previously shown that epidermal keratinocytes of mice fed zinc-deficient (ZD) diets secreted more adenosine triphosphate (ATP) than those of mice fed zinc-adequate (ZA) diets and that epidermal Langerhans cells are absent in ZD mice. Langerhans cells highly express CD39, which potently hydrolyzes ATP into adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Thus, a lack of Langerhans cells in ZD mice leads to non-hydrolysis of ATP, thereby leading to the development of ATP-mediated irritant contact dermatitis. In this study, we examined if biotin-deficient (BD) mice showed the same underlying mechanisms as those in ZD mice. BD mice showed reduced serum zinc levels, disappearance of epidermal Langerhans cells, and enhanced ATP production in the skin. Consequently, irritant contact dermatitis was significantly enhanced and prolonged in BD mice. In conclusion, the findings of our study showed that biotin deficiency leads to zinc deficiency because of which patients with biotin deficiency show similar symptoms as those with acrodermatitis enteropathica.
Differences in Maternal Immunoglobulins within Mother’s Own Breast Milk and Donor Breast Milk and across Digestion in Preterm Infants
Authors: Demers-Mathieu Veronique , Huston Robert K. , Markell Andi M. , McCulley Elizabeth A. , Martin Rachel L. , Spooner Melinda , Dallas David C.
Published: April 2019

Maternal antibody transfer to the newborn provides essential support for the infant’s naïve immune system. Preterm infants normally receive maternal antibodies through mother’s own breast milk (MBM) or, when mothers are unable to provide all the milk required, donor breast milk (DBM). DBM is pasteurized and exposed to several freeze–thaw cycles, which could reduce intact antibody concentration and the antibody’s resistance to digestion within the infant. Whether concentrations of antibodies in MBM and DBM differ and whether their survival across digestion in preterm infants differs remains unknown. Feed (MBM or DBM), gastric contents (MBM or DBM at 1-h post-ingestion) and stool samples (collected after a mix of MBM and DBM feeding) were collected from 20 preterm (26–36 weeks gestational age) mother–infant pairs at 8–9 and 21–22 days of postnatal age. Samples were analyzed via ELISA for the concentration of secretory IgA (SIgA), total IgA (SIgA/IgA), total IgM (SIgM/IgM) and IgG. Total IgA, SIgA, total IgM and IgG concentrations were 55.0%, 71.6%, 98.4% and 41.1% higher in MBM than in DBM, and were 49.8%, 32.7%, 73.9% and 39.7% higher in gastric contents when infants were fed with MBM than when infants were fed DBM, respectively. All maternal antibody isotypes present in breast milk were detected in the infant stools, of which IgA (not sIgA) was the most abundant.
Qualified Health Claim Language affects Purchase Intentions for Green Tea Products in the United States
Authors: Berhaupt-Glickstein Amanda , Hooker Neal , Hallman William
Published: April 2019

Qualified health claims (QHC) describe diet–disease relationships and summarize the quality and strength of evidence for a claim. Companies assert that QHCs increase sales and take legal action to ensure claims reflect their interests. Yet, there is no empirical evidence that QHCs influence consumers. Using green tea as a case study, this study investigated the effects of QHCs on purchase intentions among adults 55 years and older living in the US. An online survey using a between-subjects design examined QHCs about the relationship between green tea and the reduced risk of breast and/or prostate cancer or yukichi fruit juice and the reduced risk of gastrocoridalis, a fictitious relationship. QHCs written by a green tea company generated greater perceptions of evidence for the relationship, greater confidence in green tea and cancer, and increased purchase intentions for green tea than other QHCs. Factors that mitigated the claim’s effects on purchase intentions are: Race/ethnicity; age; importance of health claims; supplement use; health; worry about health/becoming sick with cancer; worry that led to dietary change; green tea consumption; and familiarity with the green tea–cancer. Consumers who made health-related dietary change in the past year and consider health claims important indicated greater purchase intentions than others.
Dietary Factors in Sulfur Metabolism and Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Teigen Levi M. , Geng Zhuo , Sadowsky Michael J. , Vaughn Byron P. , Hamilton Matthew J. , Khoruts Alexander
Published: April 2019

The biogeography of inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC) suggests a proximal to distal concentration gradient of a toxin. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has long been considered one such toxin candidate, and dietary sulfur along with the abundance of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) were considered the primary determinants of H2S production and clinical course of UC. The metabolic milieu in the lumen of the colon, however, is the result of a multitude of factors beyond dietary sulfur intake and SRB abundance. Here we present an updated formulation of the H2S toxin hypothesis for UC pathogenesis, which strives to incorporate the interdependency of diet composition and the metabolic activity of the entire colon microbial community. Specifically, we suggest that the increasing severity of inflammation along the proximal-to-distal axis in UC is due to the dilution of beneficial factors, concentration of toxic factors, and changing detoxification capacity of the host, all of which are intimately linked to the nutrient flow from the diet.
Reproducibility and Validity of a Short Food Frequency Questionnaire for Dietary Assessment in Children Aged 7–9 Years in Spain
Authors: Vioque Jesus , Garcia-de-la-Hera Manuela , Gonzalez-Palacios Sandra , Torres-Collado Laura , Notario-Barandiaran Leyre , Oncina-Canovas Alejandro , Soler-Blasco Raquel , Lozano Manuel , Beneito Andrea , Navarrete-Muñoz Eva-Maria
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine if the short semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is a reliable and valid tool to assess the diet of Spanish children aged 7–9 years. We collected data from 156 children of the birth cohort INMA (Infancia y Medio Ambiente (Environment and Childhood)). Children’s parents or care-givers completed a 46-item FFQ on two occasions over a 9–12-month period about the children’s diet. To explore the reproducibility of the FFQ, the nutrient and food group intake collected from the both FFQs were compared, while validity was examined by contrasting the nutrient values from the FFQs and the average of three 24-hour dietary recalls (24hDRs) taken in this period, and also with the concentration of several vitamins in the blood (carotenoids, vitamin D and α-tocopherol). Pearson and de-attenuated correlation coefficients were calculated. The average correlation coefficients for nutrient intake’s reproducibility was 0.41, ranging from 0.25 (calcium) to 0.65 (β-carotene), and for food group intake was 0.45, ranging from 0.18 (cereals) to 0.68 (sweetened beverages). Correlation coefficients slightly improved when we compared energy-adjusted intakes. The average correlation coefficients for validity against 24hDRs was 0.34 for energy-adjusted intakes, and 0.39 when de-attenuation coefficients were used. The validity coefficients against the blood concentrations of vitamins were 0.38 for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.26 for lycopene, 0,23 for α-carotene and 0.15 for β-carotene, all of them statistically significant (p < 0.05). This study suggests that our brief FFQ is a suitable tool for the dietary assessment of a wide range of nutrients and food groups in children 7–9 years, despite the low to moderate reproducibility and validity observed for some nutrients.
Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation with Surface Modified Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Flockton Tyler , Schnorbus Logan , Araujo Agustin , Adams Jill , Hammel Maryjane , Perez Lark
Published: April 2019

The gram-negative bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents a prominent clinical concern. Due to the observed high levels of antibiotic resistance, copious biofilm formation, and wide array of virulence factors produced by these bacteria, new treatment technologies are required. Here, we present the development of a series of P. aeruginosa LecA-targeted polymeric nanoparticles and demonstrate the anti-adhesion and biofilm inhibitory properties of these constructs.
Assessment of Nonnucleoside Inhibitors Binding to HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Using HYDE Scoring
Authors: Paneth Agata , Płonka Wojciech , Paneth Piotr
Published: April 2019

In this study, 48 inhibitors were docked to 107 allosteric centers of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Based on the average binding scores, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) equations were constructed in order to elucidate directions of further development in the design of inhibitors. Such developments, informed by structural data, must have a focus on activity against mutated forms of the enzyme, which are the cause of the emergence of multidrug-resistant viral strains. Docking studies employed the HYDE scoring function. Two types of QSARs have been considered: One based on topological descriptors and the other on structural fragments of the inhibitors. Both methods gave similar results, indicating substructures favoring binding to mutated forms of the enzyme.
Pharmacy and Travel Medicine: A Global Movement
Authors: Goodyer Larry
Published: April 2019

This is the first special edition of a journal that has focused specifically on Pharmacy Practice and travel medicine [...]
Synthesis of Nanostructure InxGa1−xN Bulk Alloys and Thin Films for LED Devices
Authors: B. Kashyout Abd El-Hady , Fathy Marwa , Gad Sara , Badr Yehia , A. Bishara Ahmed
Published: April 2019

In this study, we investigated an innovative method for the fabrication of nanostructure bulk alloys and thin films of indium gallium nitride (InxGa1−xN) as active, thin films for light-emitting diode (LED) devices using both crystal growth and thermal vacuum evaporation techniques, respectively. These methods resulted in some tangible improvements upon the usual techniques of InxGa1−xN systems. A cheap glass substrate was used for the fabrication of the LED devices instead of sapphire. Indium (In) and Gallium (Ga) metals, and ammonia (NH3) were the precursors for the alloy formation. The alloys were prepared at different growth temperatures with compositions ranging from 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9. InxGa1−xN alloys at 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9 had different crystallinities with respect to X-Ray diffraction (XRD) patterns where the energy bandgap that was measured by photoluminescence (PL) fell in the range between 1.3 and 2.5 eV. The bulk alloys were utilized to deposit the thin films onto the glass substrate using thermal vacuum evaporation (TVE). The XRD thin films that were prepared by TVE showed high crystallinity of cubic and hexagonal structures with high homogeneity. Using TVE, the InxGa1−xN phase separation of 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9 was eliminated and highly detected by XRD and FESEM. Also, the Raman spectroscopy confirmed the structure that was detected by XRD. The FESEM showed a variance in the grain size of both alloys and thin films. The InxGa1−xN LED device with the structure of glass/GaN/n-In0.1Ga0.9N:n/In0.1Ga0.9N/p-In0.1Ga0.9N:Mg was checked by the light emitted by electroluminescence (EL). White light generation is a promising new direction for the fabrication of such devices based on InxGa1−xN LED devices with simple and low-cost techniques.
Characterization of Reduced and Surface-Modified Graphene Oxide in Poly(Ethylene-co-Butyl Acrylate) Composites for Electrical Applications
Authors: Cobo Sánchez Carmen , Wåhlander Martin , Karlsson Mattias , Marin Quintero Diana C. , Hillborg Henrik , Malmström Eva , Nilsson Fritjof
Published: April 2019

Promising electrical field grading materials (FGMs) for high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) applications have been designed by dispersing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) grafted with relatively short chains of poly (n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) in a poly(ethylene-co-butyl acrylate) (EBA) matrix. All rGO-PBMA composites with a filler fraction above 3 vol.% exhibited a distinct non-linear resistivity with increasing electric field; and it was confirmed that the resistivity could be tailored by changing the PBMA graft length or the rGO filler fraction. A combined image analysis- and Monte-Carlo simulation strategy revealed that the addition of PBMA grafts improved the enthalpic solubility of rGO in EBA; resulting in improved particle dispersion and more controlled flake-to-flake distances. The addition of rGO and rGO-PBMAs increased the modulus of the materials up to 200% and the strain did not vary significantly as compared to that of the reference matrix for the rGO-PBMA-2 vol.% composites; indicating that the interphase between the rGO and EBA was subsequently improved. The new composites have comparable electrical properties as today’s commercial FGMs; but are lighter and less brittle due to a lower filler fraction of semi-conductive particles (3 vol.% instead of 30–40 vol.%).
Effect of Silane Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane/Mesoscopic Fly Ash Composites
Authors: Qin Chuanrui , Lu Wei , He Zhenglong , Qi Guansheng , Li Jinliang , Hu Xiangming
Published: April 2019

In view of the accidents such as rock mass breakage, roof fall and coal slide in coal mines, polyurethane/mesoscopic fly ash (PU/MFA) reinforcement materials were produced from polymethylene polyphenylene isocyanate (PAPI), the polyether polyol, flame retardant, and MFA using stannous octanate as a catalyst. 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) was grafted on MFA surface, aiming to improve the mechanical properties of PU/MFA composites. The analyses of infrared spectroscopy and compression resistance reveal that the GPTMS can be successfully attached to the surface of MFA, and the optimum modification dosage of GPTMS to MFA is 2.5 wt. % (weight percent). On this basis, the effect of GPTMS on the mechanical properties of PU/MFA reinforcement materials during the curing process was systematically investigated through a compression test, a fracture toughness test, a three-point bending test, a bond property test, and a dynamic mechanics analysis. The results show that the compression property, fracture toughness, maximum flexural strength, and bond strength of PU/MFA composites increase by 21.6%, 10.1%, 8.8%, and 19.3%, respectively, compared with the values before the modification. Furthermore, the analyses of scanning electron microscope and dynamic mechanics suggest that the coupling agent GPTMS can successfully improve the mechanical properties of PU/MFA composites because it eliminates the stress concentration and exerts a positive effect on the crosslink density and hardness of PU/MFA composites.
Learning to Read Big Books: Dante, Spenser, Milton
Authors: Hill Christopher A.
Published: April 2019

The interpretive challenges posed by dense and lengthy poems such as Dante’s Inferno, Spenser’s Faerie Queene, and Milton’s Paradise Lost can prove daunting for the average undergraduate reader whose experience of texts has been circumscribed by pedagogical mandates focused on reading for information. While information-retrieval based reading certainly has its place, the experience of reading these longer, more allegorical and symbolic poems can create in the attentive reader a far more valuable kind of learning, understood by Dante and his heirs, all working from Homeric and Virgilian models, as understanding. Each of these long poems pay very close attention to acts of interpretation, foregrounding the experiences of their characters to illustrate the proper way to move from sense, past speculation, to true understanding. Those who heed these lessons, and embrace the experience offered by the poet, find that the daunting task has been outlined as the necessary step to true knowledge rather than mere information.
Modeling Barrier Island Habitats Using Landscape Position Information
Authors: Enwright Nicholas M. , Wang Lei , Wang Hongqing , Osland Michael J. , Feher Laura C. , Borchert Sinéad M. , Day Richard H.
Published: April 2019

Barrier islands are dynamic environments because of their position along the marine–estuarine interface. Geomorphology influences habitat distribution on barrier islands by regulating exposure to harsh abiotic conditions. Researchers have identified linkages between habitat and landscape position, such as elevation and distance from shore, yet these linkages have not been fully leveraged to develop predictive models. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of commonly used machine learning algorithms, including K-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, and random forest, for predicting barrier island habitats using landscape position for Dauphin Island, Alabama, USA. Landscape position predictors were extracted from topobathymetric data. Models were developed for three tidal zones: subtidal, intertidal, and supratidal/upland. We used a contemporary habitat map to identify landscape position linkages for habitats, such as beach, dune, woody vegetation, and marsh. Deterministic accuracy, fuzzy accuracy, and hindcasting were used for validation. The random forest algorithm performed best for intertidal and supratidal/upland habitats, while the K-nearest neighbor algorithm performed best for subtidal habitats. A posteriori application of expert rules based on theoretical understanding of barrier island habitats enhanced model results. For the contemporary model, deterministic overall accuracy was nearly 70%, and fuzzy overall accuracy was over 80%. For the hindcast model, deterministic overall accuracy was nearly 80%, and fuzzy overall accuracy was over 90%. We found machine learning algorithms were well-suited for predicting barrier island habitats using landscape position. Our model framework could be coupled with hydrodynamic geomorphologic models for forecasting habitats with accelerated sea-level rise, simulated storms, and restoration actions.
Development of a Snow Depth Estimation Algorithm over China for the FY-3D/MWRI
Authors: Yang Jianwei , Jiang Lingmei , Wu Shengli , Wang Gongxue , Wang Jian , Liu Xiaojing
Published: April 2019

Launched on 15 November 2017, China’s FengYun-3D (FY-3D) has taken over prime operational weather service from the aging FengYun-3B (FY-3B). Rather than directly implementing an FY-3B operational snow depth retrieval algorithm on FY-3D, we investigated this and four other well-known snow depth algorithms with respect to regional uncertainties in China. Applicable to various passive microwave sensors, these four snow depth algorithms are the Environmental and Ecological Science Data Centre of Western China (WESTDC) algorithm, the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) algorithm, the Chang algorithm, and the Foster algorithm. Among these algorithms, validation results indicate that FY-3B and WESTDC perform better than the others. However, these two algorithms often result in considerable underestimation for deep snowpack (greater than 20 cm), while the other three persistently overestimate snow depth, probably because of their poor representation of snowpack characteristics in China. To overcome the retrieval errors that occur under deep snowpack conditions without sacrificing performance under relatively thin snowpack conditions, we developed an empirical snow depth retrieval algorithm suite for the FY-3D satellite. Independent evaluation using weather station observations in 2014 and 2015 demonstrates that the FY-3D snow depth algorithm’s root mean square error (RMSE) and bias are 6.6 cm and 0.2 cm, respectively, and it has advantages over other similar algorithms.
A Novel Spatio-Temporal FCN-LSTM Network for Recognizing Various Crop Types Using Multi-Temporal Radar Images
Authors: Teimouri Nima , Dyrmann Mads , Jørgensen Rasmus Nyholm
Published: April 2019

In recent years, analyzing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data has turned into one of the challenging and interesting topics in remote sensing. Radar sensors are capable of imaging Earth’s surface independently of the weather conditions, local time of day, penetrating of waves through clouds, and containing spatial information on agricultural crop types. Based on these characteristics, the main goal sought in this research is to reveal the SAR imaging data capability in recognizing various agricultural crops in the main growth season in a more clarified and detailed way by using a deep-learning-based method. In the present research, the multi-temporal C-band Sentinel 1 images were used to classify 14 major classes of agricultural crops plus background in Denmark. By considering the capability of a deep learning method in analyzing satellite images, a novel, optimal, and lightweight network structure was developed and implemented based on a combination of a fully convolutional network (FCN) and a convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) network. The average pixel-based accuracy and Intersection over Union obtained from the proposed network were 86% and 0.64, respectively. Winter rapeseed, winter barley, winter wheat, spring barley, and sugar beet had the highest pixel-based accuracies of 95%, 94%, 93%, 90%, and 90%; respectively. The pixel-based accuracies for eight crop types and the background class were more than 84%. The network prediction showed that in field borders the classification confidence was lower than the center regions of the fields. However, the proposed structure has been able to identify different crops in multi-temporal Sentinel 1 data of a large area of around 254 thousand hectares with high performance.
Analyzing Gait in the Real World Using Wearable Movement Sensors and Frequently Repeated Movement Paths
Authors: Wang Weixin , Adamczyk Peter Gabriel
Published: April 2019

Assessing interventions for mobility disorders using real-life movement remains an unsolved problem. We propose a new method combining the strengths of traditional laboratory studies where environment is strictly controlled, and field-based studies where subjects behave naturally. We use a foot-mounted inertial sensor, a GPS receiver and a barometric altitude sensor to reconstruct a subject’s path and detailed foot movement, both indoors and outdoors, during days-long measurement using strapdown navigation and sensor fusion algorithms. We cluster repeated movement paths based on location, and propose that on these paths, most environmental and behavioral factors (e.g., terrain and motivation) are as repeatable as in a laboratory. During each bout of movement along a frequently repeated path, any synchronized measurement can be isolated for study, enabling focused statistical comparison of different interventions. We conducted a 10-day test on one subject wearing athletic shoes and sandals each for five days. The algorithm detected four frequently-repeated straight walking paths with at least 300 total steps and repetitions on at least three days for each condition. Results on these frequently-repeated paths indicated significantly lower foot clearance and shorter stride length and a trend toward decreased stride width when wearing athletic shoes vs. sandals. Comparisons based on all straight walking were similar, showing greater statistical power, but higher variability in the data. The proposed method offers a new way to evaluate how mobility interventions affect everyday movement behavior.
Internet-of-Things and Information Fusion: Trust Perspective Survey
Authors: Azzedin Farag , Ghaleb Mustafa
Published: April 2019

The advent of Internet-of-Things (IoT) is creating an ecosystem of smart applications and services enabled by a multitude of sensors. The real value of these IoT smart applications comes from analyzing the information provided by these sensors. Information fusion improves information completeness/quality and, hence, enhances estimation about the state of things. Lack of trust and therefore, malicious activities renders the information fusion process and hence, IoT smart applications unreliable. Behavior-related issues associated with the data sources, such as trustworthiness, honesty, and accuracy, must be addressed before fully utilizing these smart applications. In this article, we argue that behavior trust modeling is indispensable to the success of information fusion and, hence, to smart applications. Unfortunately, the area is still in its infancy and needs further research to enhance information fusion. The aim of this article is to raise the awareness and the need of behavior trust modelling and its effect on information fusion. Moreover, this survey describes IoT architectures for modelling trust as well as classification of current IoT trust models. Finally, we discuss future directions towards trustworthy reliable fusion techniques.