bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis Treated in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Two-Center Cross-Sectional Study in Croatia
Authors: Burcul Ivana , Arambasic Nikolina , Polic Branka , Kovacevic Tanja , Bartulovic Ines , Catipovic Ardalic Tatjana , Markic Josko
Published: July 2019

Background and objective: There is an increasing risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) among children in Croatia. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with T1D, with cerebral edema as the most severe complication. Since early recognition of cerebral edema leads to a better outcome, it is important that patients with moderate or severe DKA are closely monitored and treated in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). The aim of this study is to investigate clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as complications in children treated in PICUs because of DKA. Materials and methods: Patients treated due to DKA in the PICU of the University Hospitals of Split and Osijek from 2013 to 2017 were included in this study. Retrospectively collected data included age, gender, clinical signs and symptoms, and various laboratory parameters. After dividing subjects into two groups: Newly diagnosed with T1D (NT1D) and previously diagnosed with T1D (PT1D), collected data were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 82 patients were enrolled. Those with NT1D were more often treated in the PICU, with two of them developing cerebral edema. Dehydration was the most frequent clinical sign, found in 95% of patients at admission. Decreased consciousness level was found in 41.5% of patients, with majority of them being somnolent. No difference was found between NT1D and PT1D. Additionally, there was no significant difference regarding laboratory data at admission. Conclusions: More children with NT1D required treatment in the PICU due to DKA with two of them developing cerebral edema. Since cerebral edema is a life-threatening condition, treatment of patients with moderate or severe DKA in PICUs will provide necessary monitoring enabling early recognition, treatment, and better treatment outcome. To minimize the incidence of DKA among patients with NT1D, it is important to continuously carry out public health education programs aimed at early identification of signs and symptoms of T1D.
Improving Strength and Ductility of a Mg-3.7Al-1.8Ca-0.4Mn Alloy with Refined and Dispersed Al2Ca Particles by Industrial-Scale ECAP Processing
Authors: Wang Ce , Ma Aibin , Sun Jiapeng , Zhuo Xiaoru , Huang He , Liu Huan , Yang Zhenquan , Jiang Jinghua
Published: July 2019

Tailoring the morphology and distribution of the Al2Ca second phase is important for improving mechanical properties of Al2Ca-containing Mg-Al-Ca based alloys. This work employed the industrial-scale multi-pass rotary-die equal channel angular pressing (RD-ECAP) on an as-cast Mg-3.7Al-1.8Ca-0.4Mn (wt %) alloy and investigated its microstructure evolution and mechanical properties under three different processing parameters. The obtained results showed that RD-ECAP was effective for refining the microstructure and breaking the network-shaped Al2Ca phase. With the increase of the ECAP number and decrease of the processing temperature, the average sizes of Al2Ca particles decreased obviously, and the dispersion of the Al2Ca phase became more uniform. In addition, more ECAP passes and lower processing temperature resulted in finer α-Mg grains. Tensile test results indicated that the 573 K-12p alloy with the finest and most dispersed Al2Ca particles exhibited superior mechanical properties with tensile yield strength of 304 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 354 MPa and elongation of 10.3%. The improved comprehensive mechanical performance could be attributed to refined DRX grains, nano-sized Mg17Al12 precipitates and dispersed Al2Ca particles, where the refined and dispersed Al2Ca particles played a more dominant role in strengthening the alloys.
Isothermal Sections of the Ni-Cr-Ta Ternary System at 1200 °C and 1300 °C
Authors: Wang Cuiping , Liang Yuhui , Yang Shuiyuan , Yang Mujin , Li Lingling , Han Jiajia , Lu Yong , Liu Xingjun
Published: July 2019

Two isothermal sections of the Ni-Cr-Ta ternary system at 1200 °C and 1300 °C have been determined by using electron probe microanalysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter. A Laves phase (Ni, Cr)2Ta(HT)(C14 structure) with large solid solubility stabilized by the Ni addition was determined in both two isothermal sections. The composition range of this phase was about 25.8–66.0 at.% Cr, 2.5-44.3 at.% Ni, and 24.0-40.0 at.% Ta at 1200 °C, which increased with raising temperature. The melting point of the Ni-Cr alloys decreased with the addition of Ta. No ternary compound was found in both these two isothermal sections. The present work could be significant for practical application of nickel-based alloys and future thermodynamics assessment of the Ni-Cr-Ta ternary system.
Computer-Aided Material Design for Crash Boxes Made of High Manganese Steels
Authors: Quadfasel Angela , Teller Marco , Madivala Manjunatha , Haase Christian , Roters Franz , Hirt Gerhard
Published: July 2019

During the last decades, high manganese steels (HMnS) were considered as promising materials for crash-relevant automobile components due to their extraordinary energy absorption capability in tensile tests. However, in the case of a crash, the specific energy, absorbed by folding of a crash box, is lower for HMnS as compared to the dual phase steel DP800. This behavior is related to the fact that the crash box hardly takes advantage of the high plastic formability of a recrystallized HMnS during deformation. It was revealed that with the help of an alternative heat treatment after cold rolling, the strength of HMnS could be increased for low strains to achieve a crash behavior comparable to DP800. In this work, a multi-scale finite element simulation approach was used to analyze the crash behavior of different material conditions of an HMnS. The crash behavior was evaluated under consideration of material efficiency and passenger safety criteria to identify the ideal material condition and sheet thickness for crash absorption by folding. The proposed simulation methodology reduces the experimental time and effort for crash box design. As a result of increasing material strength, the simulation exhibits a possible weight reduction of the crash box, due to thickness reduction, up to 35%.
Study on the Corrosion Fatigue Properties of 12Cr1MoV Steel at High Temperature in Different Salt Environments
Authors: He Jianjun , Bao Jiangyong , Long Kailiang , Li Cong , Wang Gang
Published: July 2019

Biomass energy, as a reliable renewable energy source, has gained more and more attention. However, microstructure degradation and corrosion fatigue damage of heat pipes hinder its further application. In this paper, high temperature corrosion fatigue characteristics of 12Cr1MoV steel under a mixed alkali metal chloride salt environment and mixed sulfate salt environment were investigated. Fatigue tests with different total strain amplitudes were performed. Results show that the effect of total strain amplitude on the cyclic stress response of the alloy is approximately the same under three different deformation conditions. With the increase of the cyclic numbers, the alloyed steel mainly exhibited cyclic hardening during loading. The fatigue properties in air environment were the best, which is most obvious when the total strain amplitude is ±0.3%. The fatigue life of samples in mixed alkali metal salts is the shortest. Furthermore, the fatigue fracture morphology of the alloyed steel in different environments were also deeply analyzed. This experimental study attempts to provide a theoretical reference for solving the problem of rapid failure of heat pipes in biomass boilers, and to establish a scientific basis for the material selection and safety operation.
Imaging Mass Spectrometry: A New Tool to Assess Molecular Underpinnings of Neurodegeneration
Authors: Chen Kevin , Baluya Dodge , Tosun Mehmet , Li Feng , Maletic-Savatic Mirjana
Published: July 2019

Neurodegenerative diseases are prevalent and devastating. While extensive research has been done over the past decades, we are still far from comprehensively understanding what causes neurodegeneration and how we can prevent it or reverse it. Recently, systems biology approaches have led to a holistic examination of the interactions between genome, metabolome, and the environment, in order to shed new light on neurodegenerative pathogenesis. One of the new technologies that has emerged to facilitate such studies is imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). With its ability to map a wide range of small molecules with high spatial resolution, coupled with the ability to quantify them at once, without the need for a priori labeling, IMS has taken center stage in current research efforts in elucidating the role of the metabolome in driving neurodegeneration. IMS has already proven to be effective in investigating the lipidome and the proteome of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we review the IMS platform for capturing biological snapshots of the metabolic state to shed more light on the molecular mechanisms of the diseased brain.
High-Intensity Interval Training Decreases Resting Urinary Hypoxanthine Concentration in Young Active Men—A Metabolomic Approach
Authors: Kistner Sina , Rist Manuela J. , Krüger Ralf , Döring Maik , Schlechtweg Sascha , Bub Achim
Published: July 2019

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is known to improve performance and skeletal muscle energy metabolism. However, whether the body’s adaptation to an exhausting short-term HIIT is reflected in the resting human metabolome has not been examined so far. Therefore, a randomized controlled intervention study was performed to investigate the effect of a ten-day HIIT on the resting urinary metabolome of young active men. Fasting spot urine was collected before (−1 day) and after (+1 day; +4 days) the training intervention and 65 urinary metabolites were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Metabolite concentrations were normalized to urinary creatinine and subjected to univariate statistical analysis. One day after HIIT, no overall change in resting urinary metabolome, except a significant difference with decreasing means in urinary hypoxanthine concentration, was documented in the experimental group. As hypoxanthine is related to purine degradation, lower resting urinary hypoxanthine levels may indicate a training-induced adaptation in purine nucleotide metabolism.
Ergonomic Mechanical Design and Assessment of a Waist Assist Exoskeleton for Reducing Lumbar Loads During Lifting Task
Authors: Yong Xu , Yan Zefeng , Wang Can , Wang Chao , Li Nan , Wu Xinyu
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to develop a wearable waist exoskeleton to provide back support for industrial workers during repetitive lifting tasks and to assess reductions in back muscular activity. The ergonomic mechanical structure is convenient to employ in different applications. The exoskeleton attaches to the wearer’s body with 4 straps, takes only 30 s to put the exoskeleton on without additional help, weighs just 5 kg and is easy to carry. The mechanical clutch can assist the wearer as needed. Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) was used to detect wearers’ motion intention. Ten subjects participated in the trial. Lower back muscle integrated electromyography (IEMG) of the left and right lumbar erector spinae (LES), thoracic erector spinae (TES), latissimus dorsi (LD) were compared in symmetrical lifting for six different objects (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 kg) under two conditions of with and without the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton significantly reduced the back muscular activity during repetitive lifting tasks. The average integrated electromyography reductions were 34.0%, 33.9% and 24.1% for LES, TES and LD respectively. The exoskeleton can reduce burden and the incidence of strain on lumbar muscles during long-term lifting work.
Singularity Analysis of Volcanic Ages and Implications for Tectonic Setting in the Mesozoic, Great Xing’an Range, Northeast China
Authors: Zhu Pingping , Cheng Qiuming
Published: July 2019

Frequency distribution of zircon U–Pb ages has been commonly utilized to interpret the age of a magmatic event. Anomalies in age peaks are related to plate movement caused by mantle convection during the formation of supercontinents and continent crust growth. In this paper, a singularity analysis method (frequency anomalies) is used to analyze a dataset (n = 823, discordance lower than 10%) of zircon U–Pb ages from the Great Xing’an Range (GXR), in order to characterize the causal relationship between age transitions and Pacific Plate subduction. The number-age plot result shows that there is a peak around at 125 Ma, and the log–log plot reveals that there are two transitional ages (knee points) at 125 Ma and 145 Ma. The age densities of the peak at 125 Ma and the transition at 145 Ma can both be fitted by power law functions, which indicate transitional ages have the characteristic of singularity. Combined with the subduction geological background in the late Mesozoic, the possible singularity mechanisms corresponding to the age peak at 125 Ma and the transition at 145 Ma are slab rollback and slab breakoff of the Pacific Plate, which is consistent with conclusions from geology and geochemistry. This result suggests that singularity analysis can be used as a new method to quantitatively characterize volcanic activities and tectonic setting in geological processes.
Molecular Characterization and Heterologous Production of the Bacteriocin Peocin, a DNA Starvation/Stationary Phase Protection Protein, from Paenibacillus ehimensis NPUST1
Authors: Tseng Chung-Chih , Murni Lini , Han Tai-Wei , Arfiati Diana , Shih Hui-Tsu , Hu Shao-Yang
Published: July 2019

The production of a bacteriocin-like substance with antimicrobial activity, named peocin, by the probiotic Paenibacillus ehimensis NPUST1 was previously reported by our laboratory. The present study aimed to identify peocin and increase the peocin yield by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Peocin was identified as a DNA starvation/stationary phase protection protein, also called DNA-binding protein from starved cells (Dps), by gel overlay and LC-MS/MS analysis. For mass production of peocin, fed-batch cultivation of E. coli was performed using a pH-stat control system. Purification by simple nickel affinity chromatography and dialysis yielded 45.3 mg of purified peocin from a 20-mL fed-batch culture (49.3% recovery). The biological activity of the purified peocin was confirmed by determination of the MIC and MBC against diverse pathogens. Purified peocin exhibited antimicrobial activity against aquatic, food spoilage, clinical and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. In an in vivo challenge test, zebrafish treated with purified peocin exhibited significantly increased survival rates after A. hydrophila challenge. The present study is the first to show the antimicrobial activity of Dps and provides an efficient strategy for production of bioactive peocin, which will aid the development of peocin as a novel antimicrobial agent with potential applications in diverse industries.
Rapid Characterization of Triterpene Saponins from Zornia brasiliensis by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Nascimento Yuri Mangueira , Abreu Lucas Silva , Lima Ramon Leal , Costa Vicente Carlos O. , Melo José Iranildo Miranda de , Braz-Filho Raimundo , Silva Marcelo Sobral , Tavares Josean Fechine
Published: July 2019

Zornia brasiliensis Vogel (Leguminosae) is a species popularly known in Brazil as “urinária”, “urinana”, and “carrapicho”, it is popularly used as a diuretic and in the treatment of venereal diseases. A specific methodology to obtain a saponin-enriched fraction and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection, ion trap mass spectrometry, and TOF-MS (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) was applied for the analysis of triterpene saponins. The MS and MS/MS experiments were carried out by ionization in negative mode. Molecular mass and fragmentation data were used to support the structural characterization of the saponins. Based on retention times, high-resolution mass determination and fragmentation, 35 oleanane-triterpene saponins were tentatively identified in Z. brasiliensis.
N, S Dual-Doped Carbon Derived from Dye Sludge by Using Polymeric Flocculant as Soft Template
Authors: Luan Daofeng , Wu Liang , Wei Tingting , Liu Liu , Lv Yin , Yu Feng , Chen Long , Shi Yulin
Published: July 2019

Dye sludge is a major by-product and it will bring critical environmental problems in the textile industry. In this study, dicyandiamide formaldehyde resin (DFR) is used as an effective flocculating agent for the removal of anionic dyes from textile dye wastewater. Employing dye-contaminated sewage sludges as precursors, N, S dual-doped carbon materials are successfully synthesized by using DFR as a soft template. The specific surface area, morphology, and pore structure of the resulting annealed products can be easily controlled by changing the DFR content of the dye sludge. The oxygen reduction reaction performance of optimal carbon material (N, S-DF-2) is close to commercial 20% Pt/C in alkaline medium, including onset potential (0.98 V), half-wave potential (0.82 V), as well as limiting current density (5.46 mA·cm−2). Furthermore, it also shows better durability and crossover resistance. In addition, N, S-DF-2 exhibits a large specific capacitance (230 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1) and super capacitance retention (nearly 98% at 10 A·g−1) after 2500 cycles as supercapacitors electrodes. This work opens up a new method to take full advantage of organic polymeric flocculant as a soft template to prepare N, S dual-doped carbon materials, which will be beneficial for the reuse and recycling of sewage sludge, as well as for the production of good quality energy conversion and storage materials.
Effect of TiO2-ZnO-MgO Mixed Oxide on Microbial Growth and Toxicity against Artemia salina
Authors: Anaya-Esparza Luis M. , González-Silva Napoleón , Yahia Elhadi M. , González-Vargas O. A. , Montalvo-González Efigenia , Pérez-Larios Alejandro
Published: July 2019

Mixed oxide nanoparticles (MONs, TiO2–ZnO–MgO) obtained by the sol-gel method were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, (TEM, HRTEM, and SAED) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTGA–DTA). Furthermore, the effect of MONs on microbial growth (growth profiling curve, lethal and sublethal effect) of Escherichia coli, Salmonella paratyphi, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, as well as the toxicity against Artemia salina by the lethal concentration test (LC50) were evaluated. MONs exhibited a near-spherical in shape, polycrystalline structure and mean sizes from 17 to 23 nm. The thermal analysis revealed that the anatase phase of MONs is completed around 480–500 °C. The normal growth of all bacteria tested is affected by the MONs presence compared with the control group. MONs also exhibited a reduction on the plate count from 0.58 to 2.10 log CFU/mL with a sublethal cell injury from 17 to 98%. No significant toxicity within 24 h was observed on A. salina. A bacteriostatic effect of MONs on bacteria was evidenced, which was strongly influenced by the type of bacteria, as well as no toxic effects (LC50 >1000 mg/L; TiO2–ZnO (5%)–MgO (5%)) on A. salina were detected. This study demonstrates the potential of MONs for industrial applications.
Purification and Nitrogen Doping of Nanothin Exfoliated Graphite Through RF Thermal Plasma Treatment
Authors: Son Byung-Koo , Lee Kyu-Hang , Kim Tae-Hee , Shin Myung-Sun , Choi Sun-Yong , Cho Guangsup
Published: July 2019

A mixture of nanothin exfoliated (NTE) graphite and urea (CO(NH2)2) powder was treated with radio frequency (RF) thermal plasma to achieve in situ purification and nitrogen doping of NTE graphite using the high-temperature flame of the RF plasma. Reactive species such as NH3, NH2, and HCNO generated by the thermolysis of urea play an important role in the purification and nitrogen doping of NTE graphite. The nitrogen content of NTE graphite subjected to plasma treatment increased by 5 times compared with that of raw NTE graphite. Three types of nitrogen species, namely, quaternary N, pyridinic N, and pyrrolic N, were observed after N doping with plasma treatment. The sheet resistance of N-doped NTE graphite reduced to 12–21% compared to that of the untreated NTE graphite, with the corresponding resistivity being ~7 × 10−6 Ω m.
Human Breast Milk Promotes the Secretion of Potentially Beneficial Metabolites by Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938
Authors: Mai Tu T. , Tran Dat Q. , Roos Stefan , Rhoads J. Marc , Liu Yuying
Published: July 2019

Human breast milk (HBM) may have beneficial effects on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (LR 17938) -mediated immunomodulation. We aimed to determine the effects of HBM on proliferation of LR 17938 in vitro and its associated proteins and metabolites in culture, in order to provide mechanistic insights into the health benefits of LR 17938. LR 17938 was cultured anaerobically in MRS bacterial culture media, HBM (from 6 mothers), and 2 types of cow-milk formula. The colony-forming unit (CFU) was calculated to evaluate LR 17938 growth. Sixteen-hour-fermented supernatants were used for metabolomics, and bacterial lysates were used for proteomics analysis. We found that growth of LR 17938 was 10 times better in HBM than in formula. We detected 261/452 metabolites upregulated when LR 17938 cultured in HBM compared to in formula, mainly participating in the glyoxylate cycle (succinate), urea cycle (citrulline), methionine methylation (N-acetylcysteine), and polyamine synthesis (spermidine). The significantly up-regulated enzymes were also involved in the formation of acetyl-CoA in the glyoxylate cycle and the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. In conclusion, HBM enhances the growth of LR 17938 compared to formula and promotes LR 17938-associated metabolites that relate to energy and antioxidant status, which may be linked to the physiological effects of L. reuteri.
Plasma Vitamin C Levels: Risk Factors for Deficiency and Association with Self-Reported Functional Health in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk
Authors: McCall Stephen J. , Clark Allan B. , Luben Robert N. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Myint Phyo Kyaw
Published: July 2019

Background: To investigate the demographic and lifestyles factors associated with vitamin C deficiency and to examine the association between plasma vitamin C level and self-reported physical functional health. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk study. Plasma vitamin C level < 11 µmol/L indicated vitamin C deficiency. Unconditional logistic regression models assessed the association between vitamin C deficiency and potential risk factors. Associations between quartiles of vitamin C and self-reported functional health measured by the 36-item short-form questionnaire (SF-36) were assessed. Results: After adjustment, vitamin C deficiency was associated with older age, being male, lower physical activity, smoking, more socially deprived area (Townsend index) and a lower educational attainment. Compared to the highest, those in the lowest quartile of vitamin C were more likely to score in the lowest decile of physical function (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.43 (95%CI: 1.21–1.70)), bodily pain (aOR: 1.29 (95% CI: 1.07–1.56)), general health (aOR: 1.4 (95%CI: 1.18–1.66)), and vitality (aOR: 1.23 (95%CI: 1.04–1.45)) SF-36 scores. Conclusions: Simple public health interventions should be aimed at populations with risk factors for vitamin C deficiency. Poor self-reported functional health was associated with lower plasma vitamin C levels, which may reflect symptoms of latent scurvy.
The Impact of Pectin Supplementation on Intestinal Barrier Function in Healthy Young Adults and Healthy Elderly
Authors: Wilms Ellen , Jonkers Daisy M.A.E. , Savelkoul Huub F.J. , Elizalde Montserrat , Tischmann Lea , de Vos Paul , Masclee Ad A.M. , Troost Freddy J.
Published: July 2019

Intestinal barrier function is suggested to decrease with aging and may be improved by pectin intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of four weeks pectin supplementation on gastrointestinal barrier function in vivo and ex vivo in different age groups. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study, 52 healthy young adults (18–40 years) and 48 healthy elderly (65–75 years) received 15 g/day pectin or placebo for four weeks. Pre- and post-intervention, in vivo gastrointestinal permeability by a multisugar test, and defense capacity in mucosal samples were assessed. Sigmoid biopsies were collected post-intervention from subgroups for Ussing chamber experiments and gene transcription of barrier-related genes. Pectin intervention did not affect in vivo gastroduodenal, small intestinal, colonic, and whole gut permeability in young adults nor in elderly (p ≥ 0.130). Salivary and fecal sIgA and serum IgA were not significantly different between pectin versus placebo in both age groups (p ≥ 0.128). In both young adults and elderly, no differences in transepithelial electrical resistance and fluorescein flux (p ≥ 0.164) and relative expression of genes analyzed (p ≥ 0.222) were found between pectin versus placebo. In conclusion, intestinal barrier function was not affected by four weeks pectin supplementation neither in healthy young adults nor in healthy elderly.
Gastrostomy Placement and Management in Children: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Di Leo Grazia , Pascolo Paola , Hamadeh Kamar , Trombetta Andrea , Ghirardo Sergio , Schleef Jurgen , Barbi Egidio , Codrich Daniela
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND: To prevent malnutrition and food aspiration in children with chronic neuromuscular problems, enteral nutrition provided by gastrostomy is recommended. Long-term follow-up data about surgical and medical complications of PEG are available, but few papers have addressed all of the issues in the same series. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients under 18 years who had a gastrostomy tube placed at our institution between 2003 and 2017. The aim is to evaluate outcomes after gastrostomy placement, focusing both on surgical complications (early and late), and its effect on their nutritional status, on the prevention of pulmonary infections, and their parents’ opinion. RESULTS: Eighty-four gastrostomies were placed in total (35 F; 49 M). Seventy-seven patients had a severe neurocognitive impairment (GMFCS 5). The principal indication for gastrostomy was severe dysphagia (53.3%). No gastrostomy-related death was observed. Early surgical complications were observed in five of 84 (5,9%) patients; late complications were observed in 15 of 84 (17.8%) patients. Twenty-two patients were diagnosed with subsequent gastroesophageal reflux; five patients developed dumping syndrome (6%). Complete medical follow-up data were available for 45 patients. A progressive improvement of nutritional status was observed in 29 patients, and 11 maintained the same percentile; the occurrence of respiratory infections and need for hospitalization decreased. In 90% of cases, parents were fully satisfied with the g-tube. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the positive nutritional outcomes of gastrostomy-tube with an associated small risk of surgical complications and a reduction in the number of respiratory infections, with most parents scoring their experience as positive.
The Willingness to Modify Portion Sizes or Eat New Protein Foods Largely Depends on the Dietary Pattern of Protein Intake
Authors: de Gavelle Erwan , Davidenko Olga , Fouillet Hélène , Delarue Julien , Darcel Nicolas , Huneau Jean-François , Mariotti François
Published: July 2019

Promoting a more balanced animal/plant dietary protein ratio by changing portion sizes or introducing new foods is a promising means to improve diet quality, but little is known about the willingness of individuals to adopt such changes. Our objective was to assess the willingness to adopt dietary changes by these means. In a French cross-sectional study in 2018 (n = 2055), we analyzed the association between the willingness to eat smaller or larger portions or to introduce non-consumed protein foods and the current dietary patterns of individuals and their socio-demographic characteristics. These modifications had previously been identified as improving the nutrient adequacy of diets. Participants were more willing to eat smaller portion sizes than to introduce new foods and to eat larger portion sizes. The willingness for any modification varied depending on the food groups concerned. Participants were also more willing to eat larger portions and less willing to eat smaller portions when they were the most frequent consumers of the foods concerned. Participants were more willing to eat a new food if it was consumed in large quantities by individuals with a similar dietary pattern. This study underlines the importance of accounting for individual food habits when issuing nutritional recommendations.
The Nutritional Components of Beer and Its Relationship with Neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sánchez-Muniz Francisco José , Macho-González Adrián , Garcimartín Alba , Santos-López Jorge Arturo , Benedí Juana , Bastida Sara , González-Muñoz María José
Published: July 2019

The prevalence of degenerative diseases has risen in western countries. Growing evidence suggests that demenia and other cognition affectations are associated with ambient factors including specific nutrients, food ingredients or specific dietary patterns. Mediterranean diet adherence has been associated with various health benefits and decreased risk of many diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Beer, as part of this protective diet, contains compounds such as silicon and hops that could play a major role in preventing brain disorders. In this review, different topics regarding Mediterranean diet, beer and the consumption of their main compounds and their relation to neurological health have been addressed. Taking into account published results from our group and other studies, the hypothesis linking aluminum intoxication with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease and the potential role of regular beer has also been considered. Beer, in spite of its alcohol content, may have some health benefits; nonetheless, its consumption is not adequate for all subjects. Thus, this review analyzed some promising results of non-alcoholic beer on several mechanisms engaged in neurodegeneration such as inflammation, oxidation, and cholinesterase activity, and their contribution to the behavioral modifications induced by aluminum intoxication. The review ends by giving conclusions and suggesting future topics of research related to moderate beer consumption and/or the consumption of its major compounds as a potential instrument for protecting against neurodegenerative disease progression and the need to develop nutrigenetic and nutrigenomic studies in aged people and animal models.
Pregnant Women in Four Low-Middle Income Countries Have a High Prevalence of Inadequate Dietary Intakes That Are Improved by Dietary Diversity
Authors: Lander Rebecca L. , Hambidge K. Michael , Westcott Jamie E. , Tejeda Gabriela , Diba Tshilenge S. , Mastiholi Shivanand C. , Khan Umber S. , Garcés Ana , Figueroa Lester , Tshefu Antoinette , Lokangaka Adrien , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Somannavar Manjunath S. , Ali Sumera Aziz , Saleem Sarah , McClure Elizabeth M. , Krebs Nancy F. ,   on behalf of the Women First Preconception Nutrition Trial Group
Published: July 2019

Background: Up-to-date dietary data are required to understand the diverse nutritional challenges of pregnant women living in low-middle income countries (LMIC). To that end, dietary data were collected from 1st trimester pregnant women in rural areas of Guatemala, India, Pakistan, and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) participating in a maternal lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) Randomized Controlled Trial to examine dietary diversity (DD), usual group energy and nutrient intakes, and prevalence of inadequate dietary intakes. Methods: Two 24-h dietary recalls were conducted in ~240 pregnant women/site (total n = 966) prior to 12-week gestation. Adequate DD was assessed, i.e., ≥5 major food groups consumed within the past 24 h. Median, Q1, Q3 intakes (without LNS) of energy, macronutrients, 12 micronutrients, and phytate were examined. The “at risk” prevalence of inadequate intakes were based on international guidelines for pregnant women. Results: Dietary patterns varied widely among sites, with adequate DD reported: 20% (Pakistan), 25% (DRC), 50% (Guatemala), and 70% (India). Significantly higher intakes of most key nutrients were observed in participants with adequate DD. More than 80% of women in all sites had inadequate intakes of folate, vitamin B12, and choline, and >80% of women in India and DRC also had inadequate intakes of calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin B6. Conclusions: Our data highlight the likely need for micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy, specifically multi-micronutrient interventions, and support the value of increasing DD as part of sustainable long-term nutrition programs for women of reproductive age in these poor rural settings in LMIC.
Evolution from Covalent to Self-Assembled PAMAM-Based Dendrimers as Nanovectors for siRNA Delivery in Cancer by Coupled in Silico-Experimental Studies. Part II: Self-Assembled siRNA Nanocarriers
Authors: Laurini Erik , Marson Domenico , Aulic Suzana , Fermeglia Maurizio , Pricl Sabrina
Published: July 2019

In part I of this review, the authors showed how poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM)-based dendrimers can be considered as promising delivering platforms for siRNA therapeutics. This is by virtue of their precise and unique multivalent molecular architecture, characterized by uniform branching units and a plethora of surface groups amenable to effective siRNA binding and delivery to e.g., cancer cells. However, the successful clinical translation of dendrimer-based nanovectors requires considerable amounts of good manufacturing practice (GMP) compounds in order to conform to the guidelines recommended by the relevant authorizing agencies. Large-scale GMP-standard high-generation dendrimer production is technically very challenging. Therefore, in this second part of the review, the authors present the development of PAMAM-based amphiphilic dendrons, that are able to auto-organize themselves into nanosized micelles which ultimately outperform their covalent dendrimer counterparts in in vitro and in vivo gene silencing.
Clothing the Emperor: Dynamic Root–Shoot Allocation Trajectories in Relation to Whole-Plant Growth Rate and in Response to Temperature
Authors: Robinson David , Peterkin John Henry
Published: July 2019

We quantified how root–shoot biomass allocation and whole-plant growth rate co-varied ontogenetically in contrasting species in response to cooling. Seven grass and four forb species were grown for 56 days in hydroponics. Growth was measured repeatedly before and after day/night temperatures were reduced at 28 days from 20 °C/15 °C to 10 °C/5 °C; controls remained unchanged. Sigmoid trajectories of root and shoot growth were reconstructed from the experimental data to derive continuous whole-plant relative growth rates (RGRs) and root mass fractions (RMFs). Root mass fractions in cooled plants generally increased, but this originated from unexpected and previously uncharacterised differences in response among species. Root mass fraction and RGR co-trajectories were idiosyncratic in controls and cooled plants. The RGR–RMF co-trajectories responded to cooling in grasses, but not forbs. The RMF responses of stress-tolerant grasses were predictably weak but projected to eventually out-respond faster-growing species. Sigmoid growth constrains biomass allocation. Only when neither root nor shoot biomass is near-maximal can biomass allocation respond to environmental drivers. Near maximum size, plants cannot adjust RMF, which then reflects net above- and belowground productivities. Ontogenetic biomass allocations are not equivalent to those based on interspecific surveys, especially in mature vegetation. This reinforces the importance of measuring temporal growth dynamics, and not relying on “snapshot” comparisons to infer the functional significance of root–shoot allocation.
Toughening and Enhancing Melamine–Urea–Formaldehyde Resin Properties via in situ Polymerization of Dialdehyde Starch and Microphase Separation
Authors: Luo Jianlin , Zhang Jieyu , Gao Qiang , Mao An , Li Jianzhang
Published: July 2019

The goal of this study is to employ bio-based dialdehyde starch (DAS), derived from in situ polymerization and the resultant microphase separation structure, to improve the strength of melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF) resin, as well as enhance the properties that affect its adhesive performance. Thus, we evaluated the effects of DAS on the chemical structure, toughness, curing behavior, thermal stability, and micromorphology of the MUF resin. Furthermore, the wet shear strength and formaldehyde emissions of a manufactured, three-layer plywood were also measured. Results indicate that DAS was chemically introduced into the MUF resin by in situ polymerization between the aldehyde group in the DAS and the amino group and hydroxymethyl group in the resin. Essentially, polymerization caused a DAS soft segment to interpenetrate into the rigid MUF resin cross-linked network, and subsequently form a microphase separation structure. By incorporating 3% DAS into the MUF resin, the elongation at break of impregnated paper increased 48.12%, and the wet shear strength of the plywood increased 23.08%. These improvements were possibly due to one or a combination of the following: (1) DAS polymerization increasing the cross-linking density of the cured system; (2) DAS modification accelerating the curing of the MUF resin; and/or (3) the microphase separation structure, induced by DAS polymerization, improving the cured resin’s strength. All the results in this study suggest that the bio-based derivative from in situ polymerization and microphase separation can effectively toughen and enhance the properties that affect adhesive performance in highly cross-linked thermosetting resins.
Some Eccentricity-Based Topological Indices and Polynomials of Poly(EThyleneAmidoAmine) (PETAA) Dendrimers
Authors: Zheng Jialin , Iqbal Zahid , Fahad Asfand , Zafar Asim , Aslam Adnan , Qureshi Muhammad Imran , Irfan Rida
Published: July 2019

Topological indices have been computed for various molecular structures over many years. These are numerical invariants associated with molecular structures and are helpful in featuring many properties. Among these molecular descriptors, the eccentricity connectivity index has a dynamic role due to its ability of estimating pharmaceutical properties. In this article, eccentric connectivity, total eccentricity connectivity, augmented eccentric connectivity, first Zagreb eccentricity, modified eccentric connectivity, second Zagreb eccentricity, and the edge version of eccentric connectivity indices, are computed for the molecular graph of a PolyEThyleneAmidoAmine (PETAA) dendrimer. Moreover, the explicit representations of the polynomials associated with some of these indices are also computed.
“Every Living Beast Being a Word, Every Kind Being a Sentence”: Animals and Religion in Reformation Europe
Authors: Parish Helen
Published: July 2019

The ability of animals to convey meaning, either sacred or profane, features prominently in the dialectic of natural knowledge and sacred histories. Animals, particularly those that exhibited irregularities of nature, symbolised and revealed God’s wrath and favour, fulfilling a polemical and pastoral purpose in the communication of God’s anger and assiduous care for humanity. The language of readable nature ran through the ancient natural histories of Pliny and Aristotle, the words and images of the medieval bestiaries, and the natural histories and popular discourses of Reformation Europe. In the history of the natural world, ‘God’s great book in folio’, ideas about connections between the written word and human observation, miracles, wonders and providences, were interleaved with theological and biological taxonomies. In so doing, discussions of irregularities and portents in nature expose the conceptualisation of human relationships with the world, with the past, with the present, and with the divine. This article explores the connections between real and symbolic animals, religious, and the plasticity of God’s creation in the natural histories and polemical literature of the Reformation. It explores the multivalent positioning of particular sea creatures as providential signs of God’s continued presence in the world, natural phenomena, and man-made objects, and the ongoing syncretism between natural history, religion, ancient texts and human observation in the dialectic of this period.
Assessment of the Ice Wedge Polygon Current State by Means of UAV Imagery Analysis (Samoylov Island, the Lena Delta)
Authors: Kartoziia Andrei
Published: July 2019

Modern degradation of Arctic permafrost promotes changes in tundra landscapes and leads to degradation of ice wedge polygons, which are the most widespread landforms of Arctic wetlands. Status assessment of polygon degradation is important for various environmental studies. We have applied the geographic information systems’ (GIS) analysis of data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to accurately assess the status of ice wedge polygon degradation on Samoylov Island. We used several modern models of polygon degradation for revealing polygon types, which obviously correspond to different stages of degradation. Manual methods of mapping and a high spatial resolution of used UAV data allowed for a high degree of accuracy in the identification of all land units. The study revealed the following: 41.79% of the first terrace surface was composed of non-degraded polygonal tundra; 18.37% was composed of polygons, which had signs of thermokarst activity and corresponded to various stages of degradation in the models; and 39.84% was composed of collapsed polygons, slopes, valleys, and water bodies, excluding ponds of individual polygons. This study characterizes the current status of polygonal tundra degradation of the first terrace surface on Samoylov Island. Our assessment reflects the landscape condition of the first terrace surface of Samoylov Island, which is the typical island of the southern part of the Lena Delta. Moreover, the study illustrates the potential of UAV data GIS analysis for highly accurate investigations of Arctic landscape changes.
Optimization of X-Band Radar Rainfall Retrieval in the Southern Andes of Ecuador Using a Random Forest Model
Authors: Orellana-Alvear Johanna , Célleri Rolando , Rollenbeck Rütger , Bendix Jörg
Published: July 2019

Despite many efforts of the radar community, quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) from weather radar data remains a challenging topic. The high resolution of X-band radar imagery in space and time comes with an intricate correction process of reflectivity. The steep and high mountain topography of the Andes enhances its complexity. This study aims to optimize the rainfall derivation of the highest X-band radar in the world (4450 m a.s.l.) by using a random forest (RF) model and single Plan Position Indicator (PPI) scans. The performance of the RF model was evaluated in comparison with the traditional step-wise approach by using both, the Marshall-Palmer and a site-specific Z–R relationship. Since rain gauge networks are frequently unevenly distributed and hardly available at real time in mountain regions, bias adjustment was neglected. Results showed an improvement in the step-wise approach by using the site-specific (instead of the Marshall-Palmer) Z–R relationship. However, both models highly underestimate the rainfall rate (correlation coefficient < 0.69; slope up to 12). Contrary, the RF model greatly outperformed the step-wise approach in all testing locations and on different rainfall events (correlation coefficient up to 0.83; slope = 1.04). The results are promising and unveil a different approach to overcome the high attenuation issues inherent to X-band radars.
Validation of ICESat-2 ATLAS Bathymetry and Analysis of ATLAS’s Bathymetric Mapping Performance
Authors: Parrish Christopher , Magruder Lori , Neuenschwander Amy , Forfinski-Sarkozi Nicholas , Alonzo Michael , Jasinski Michael
Published: July 2019

NASA’s Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) was launched in September, 2018. The satellite carries a single instrument, ATLAS (Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System), a green wavelength, photon-counting lidar, enabling global measurement and monitoring of elevation with a primary focus on the cryosphere. Although bathymetric mapping was not one of the design goals for ATLAS, pre-launch work by our research team showed the potential to map bathymetry with ICESat-2, using data from MABEL (Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar), NASA’s high-altitude airborne ATLAS emulator, and adapting the laser-radar equation for ATLAS specific parameters. However, many of the sensor variables were only approximations, which limited a full assessment of the bathymetric mapping capabilities of ICESat-2 during pre-launch studies. Following the successful launch, preliminary analyses of the geolocated photon returns have been conducted for a number of coastal sites, revealing several salient examples of seafloor detection in water depths of up to ~40 m. The geolocated seafloor photon returns cannot be taken as bathymetric measurements, however, since the algorithm used to generate them is not designed to account for the refraction that occurs at the air–water interface or the corresponding change in the speed of light in the water column. This paper presents the first early on-orbit validation of ICESat-2 bathymetry and quantification of the bathymetric mapping performance of ATLAS using data acquired over St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. A refraction correction, developed and tested in this work, is applied, after which the ICESat-2 bathymetry is compared against high-accuracy airborne topo-bathymetric lidar reference data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The results show agreement to within 0.43—0.60 m root mean square error (RMSE) over 1 m grid resolution for these early on-orbit data. Refraction-corrected bottom return photons are then inspected for four coastal locations around the globe in relation to Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Kd(490) data to empirically determine the maximum depth mapping capability of ATLAS as a function of water clarity. It is demonstrated that ATLAS has a maximum depth mapping capability of nearly 1 Secchi in depth for water depths up to 38 m and Kd(490) in the range of 0.05–0.12 m−1. Collectively, these results indicate the great potential for bathymetric mapping with ICESat-2, offering a promising new tool to assist in filling the global void in nearshore bathymetry.