bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity in Puberty Is Associated with Total Body and Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Characteristics in Males at 18 Years of Age
Authors: Tamme Reeli , Jürimäe Jaak , Mäestu Evelin , Remmel Liina , Purge Priit , Mengel Eva , Tillmann Vallo
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives: Studies indicate that genetic and lifestyle factors influence optimal bone development. Adaptations in bone mineral characteristics related to physical activity (PA) are most often observed in pre- and peri-puberty. Longitudinal associations between bone mineral accrual and objectively measured PA in puberty are poorly understood. The present study aims to investigate whether pubertal PA at different intensities is related to bone mineral characteristics in individuals at 18 years of age. Materials and Methods: Anthropometrics, pubertal stage, bone age and PA by accelerometer were measured in 88 boys at the mean age of 12.1 (T1), 13.1 (T2), 14.0 (T3) and 18.0 years (T4). Different bone mineral parameters were measured by dual-energy X-ray at T4. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of bone age, body mass and PA characteristics on measured bone mineral parameters at 18 years of age. Results: Total PA in puberty together with mean pubertal body mass predicted 35.5% of total body (TB) bone mineral density (BMD), 43.0% of TB less head (LH) bone mineral content (BMC) and 48.1% of BMC/height in individuals at 18 years of age. Vigorous PA and body mass in puberty predicted 43.2% of femoral neck (FN) BMD; bone age at T1, vigorous PA and body mass in puberty predicted 47.3% of FN BMC at 18 years of age. No associations between pubertal PA levels and lumbar spine bone mineral characteristics in individuals at 18 years of age were found. Conclusions: Physical activity in puberty has a significant impact on bone mineral characteristics in individuals at 18 years of age, with total PA being a significant predictor of TB BMD and TB LH BMC as well as BMC/height, whereas vigorous PA is a significant predictor of FN BMD and FN BMC.
The Effect of Serum Calcium Levels on Uremic Encephalopathy in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury in the Emergency Department
Authors: Akman Canan , Ülker Çakır Dilek , Bakırdöğen Serkan , Balcı Serdal
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives: Uremic encephalopathy is the most important complication of renal failure and urgent dialysis treatment is required. Parathormone (PTH) contributes to the etiopathogenesis of uremic encephalopathy. PTH is a hormone that acts in the calcium balance in the organism. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of serum adjusted and ionized calcium on the development of uremic encephalopathy in patients with acute renal injury (acute kidney injury network (AKIN) stage 3). Materials and Methods: Our study was supported by Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University Scientific Research Projects Unit (ID:1278). Three groups were formed for the study. The first group was acute renal failure AKIN stage 3 (N: 23), the second group was AKIN stage 3, and the patients who had emergency hemodialysis (N: 17) and the third group (N: 9) had AKIN stage 3 hemodialysis due to uremic encephalopathy. In these patient groups, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, PTH, calcium, albumin, urea, creatinine, and blood-gas-ionized calcium were observed in their serum during the first application. Calcium, albumin, urea, creatinine, and ionized calcium in blood gas were also examined in serum at 24th and 72th hours. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19.0. Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test were applied for the variables that did not comply with normal distribution. p < 0.005 was accepted statistically. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the measurement creatinine values at the 24th and 72th hours of admission in AKIN stage 3 patients who applied to the emergency department (p = 0.008). A statistically significant difference was found in the measured calcium values (p = 0.013). A statistically significant difference was found in the measured ionized calcium values (p = 0.035). Conclusions: In our study, the effect of ionized calcium level on uremic encephalopathy in serum creatinine, calcium, and blood gas in patients presenting with acute renal injury, AKIN stage 3, was significant, but studies with new and large groups are needed.
The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen at Different Pressures on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Rats
Authors: Körpınar Şefika , Uzun Hafize
Published: May 2019

Background: The optimal use of oxygen at greater than atmospheric pressures in any operational or therapeutic application (hyperbaric oxygen, HBO2) requires awareness of the fact that the beneficial effects of oxygen coexist with toxic effects depending on the pressure and duration of exposure. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of HBO2 therapy on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in commonly used protocol for acute HBO2 indications, such as carbon monoxide intoxication, central retinal artery occlusion, crush injury, gas gangrene, and to compare it with normobaric oxygen (NBO2) in healthy rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six male, young adult Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into seven groups and named as Group I through Group VII. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) levels in control group were compared to the levels in other groups. Results: The increases in MDA levels and the decrease in SOD activities were statistically significant in HBO2 groups at the end of the first 24 h when compared to the control group, and the significant decrease in erythrocyte GSH level was only at 2.4 atmospheres absolute. Conclusions: The present study showed that pressure and frequency of exposure are important factors to consider when investigating HBO2-induced oxidative stress and antioxidant response.
A Novel Damage Model to Predict Ductile Fracture Behavior for Anisotropic Sheet Metal
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zhang Hong , Li Fuguo , Cao Jun
Published: May 2019

The purpose of the present work is to investigate the fracture behavior of anisotropic sheet metal under various stress states. Notched tension and flat-grooved tension tests at 0°, 45°, and 90° directions with respect to rolling direction were carried out by a hybrid experimental–numerical approach, and then a novel damage model was proposed by coupling Hill48’s criterion. Based on this, finite element method (FEM) analysis models were established. The force–displacement responses of experiments and simulations are in good agreement, which verify the FEM models. The predictability of the damage model established for the fracture behavior of anisotropic materials was studied by comparing the fracture displacements between experiments and simulations. It is found that the predictability of novel damage model is basically consistent with predictive results. The difference of damage locations and local strain evolutions at a 45° direction is greater than the other directions. In addition, stress triaxiality does not play a predominant role in the fracture process for notched tension specimens, while it does play a predominant role for flat-grooved tension specimens.
Comparative Study of Jet Slurry Erosion of Martensitic Stainless Steel with Tungsten Carbide HVOF Coating
Authors: Santacruz Galileo , Shigueaki Takimi Antonio , Vannucchi de Camargo Felipe , Pérez Bergmann Carlos , Fragassa Cristiano
Published: May 2019

This work evaluates the behavior of a martensitic stainless steel (AISI 410) thermally treated by quenching and tempering with a tungsten carbide (86WC-10Co-4Cr) coating obtained by high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spray deposition, analyzing the volume loss under erosive attacks at 30 ∘ and 90 ∘ incidence angles by using jet slurry erosion equipment with electrofused alumina erodent particles. Firstly, the characterization of the samples was carried out in terms of the microstructure (SEM), thickness, roughness, porosity, and microhardness. Then, samples were structurally characterized in the identification of the phases (XRD and EDS) present in the coating, as well as the particle size distribution (LG) and morphology of the erodent. It was determined that the tungsten carbide coating presented better resistance to jet slurry erosion wear when compared to the martensitic stainless steel analyzed, which is approximately two times higher for the 30 ∘ angle. The more ductile and brittle natures of the substrate and the coating, respectively, were evidenced by their higher volumetric erosion at 30 ∘ for the first and 90 ∘ for the latter, as well as their particular material removal mechanisms. The enhanced resistance of the coating is mainly attributed to its low porosity and high WC-Co content, resulting in elevated mechanical resistance.
Springback Calibration of a U-Shaped Electromagnetic Impulse Forming Process
Authors: Cui Xiaohui , Zhang Zhiwu , Yu Hailiang , Xiao Xiaoting , Cheng Yongqi
Published: May 2019

A three-dimensional (3D) finite-element model (FEM), including quasi-static stamping, sequential coupling for electromagnetic forming (EMF) and springback, was established to analyze the springback calibration by electromagnetic force. Results show that the tangential stress at the sheet bending region is reduced, and even the direction of tangential stress at the bending region is changed after EMF. The springback can be significantly reduced with a higher discharge voltage. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experiment results, and the simulation method has a high accuracy in predicting the springback of quasi-static stamping and electromagnetic forming.
Interfacial Reaction and Microstructure Evolution of Sn-9Zn/Ni(Cu) Solder Joints
Authors: Zhu Xuewei , Peng Jian , Wei Xiaofeng , Yan Pengpeng , Wang Fu
Published: May 2019

Sn-9Zn solder is a promising Pb-free solder, but it tends to form bulky intermetallic compounds (IMC) grains at the interface when soldered with common simple metal Cu or Ni substrates. Interfacial reaction between Sn-9Zn solder and Ni(Cu) solid solution substrates at 250 °C and 350 °C were systematically probed in this study. Results showed that when soldered at 250 °C, a Ni5Zn21 layer is formed at Sn-Zn/Ni-20Cu and Sn-Zn/Ni-40Cu joints; and Ni2Sn2Zn + Cu5Zn8 and Cu5Zn8 phases are formed in Sn-Zn/Ni-60Cu and Sn-Zn/Ni-80Cu joints, respectively. Fine-grained IMCs formed at the interface are formed even when the soldered time is prolonged to 16 h. This result indicates that Ni(Cu) solid solution substrates inhibit the rapid growth of IMC at the Sn-Zn/Ni-Cu interface. Ni(Cu) solid solution substrate can also provide various combinations of reaction products at the Sn-Zn/Ni-Cu joints. The Ni5Zn21 transfers to Ni2Sn2Zn + Cu5Zn8 phases when the Cu content increased to 60%, and a bi-layered structure Ni2Sn2Zn + Cu5Zn8 IMCs was formed in Sn-Zn/Ni(Cu) joints at 350 °C regardless of the Cu content in Ni(Cu) substrate (20–80%). These results would provide an effective support in designing Sn-Zn soldering system with optimized IMC layer to improve mechanical performance.
The Effect of Displacement Constraints on the Failure of MEMS Tuning Fork Gyroscopes under Shock Impact
Authors: Lian Jiangkai , Li Jianhua , Xu Lixin
Published: May 2019

Displacement constraints such as stops are widely used in engineering to improve the shock resistance of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) tuning fork gyroscopes. However, in practical applications, it has been found that unexpected breakage can occur on MEMS tuning fork gyroscopes with stops. In this paper, the effects of two displacement constraints on the failure mode of MEMS tuning fork gyroscopes are studied. The MEMS tuning fork gyroscope is simplified to a two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) model, then finite element analysis (FEA) is used to study the effects of displacement constraint on the gyroscope. The analysis proves that even if the displacement constraint of direct contact with the weak connecting beam is not established, the equivalent stiffness of the gyroscope can be enhanced by limiting the displacement of the movable mass, thereby improving the shock resistance of the gyroscope. However, under the shock of high-g level, displacement constraint with insufficient spacing will cause multiple collisions of the small-stiffness oscillating frame and lead to an increase in stress. The cause of failure and shock resistance of a MEMS tuning fork gyroscope are verified by the shock test. By comparing the results, we can get a conclusion that is consistent with the theoretical analysis.
Interactions of Carvacrol, Caprylic Acid, Habituation, and Mild Heat for Pressure-Based Inactivation of O157 and Non-O157 Serogroups of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Acidic Environment
Authors: Kabir Md Niamul , Aras Sadiye , Allison Abimbola , Adhikari Jayashan , Chowdhury Shahid , Fouladkhah Aliyar
Published: May 2019

The current study investigated synergism of elevated hydrostatic pressure, habituation, mild heat, and antimicrobials for inactivation of O157 and non-O157 serogroups of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Various times at a pressure intensity level of 450 MPa were investigated at 4 and 45 °C with and without carvacrol, and caprylic acid before and after three-day aerobic habituation in blueberry juice. Experiments were conducted in three biologically independent repetitions each consist of two replications and were statistically analyzed as a randomized complete block design study using ANOVA followed by Tukey- and Dunnett’s-adjusted mean separations. Under the condition of this experiment, habituation of the microbial pathogen played an influential (p < 0.05) role on inactivation rate of the pathogen. As an example, O157 and non-O157 serogroups were reduced (p < 0.05) by 1.4 and 1.6 Log CFU/mL after a 450 MPa treatment at 4 °C for seven min, respectively, before habituation. The corresponding log reductions (p < 0.05) after three-day aerobic habituation were: 2.6, and 3.3, respectively at 4 °C. Carvacrol and caprylic acid addition both augmented the pressure-based decontamination efficacy. As an example, Escherichia coli O157 were reduced (p < 0.05) by 2.6 and 4.2 log CFU/mL after a seven-min treatment at 450 MPa without, and with presence of 0.5% carvacrol, respectively, at 4 °C.
A Bat-Optimized One-Class Support Vector Machine for Mineral Prospectivity Mapping
Authors: Chen Yongliang , Wu Wei , Zhao Qingying
Published: May 2019

One-class support vector machine (OCSVM) is an efficient data-driven mineral prospectivity mapping model. Since the parameters of OCSVM directly affect the performance of the model, it is necessary to optimize the parameters of OCSVM in mineral prospectivity mapping. Trial and error method is usually used to determine the “optimal” parameters of OCSVM. However, it is difficult to find the globally optimal parameters by the trial and error method. By combining OCSVM with the bat algorithm, the intialization parameters of the OCSVM can be automatically optimized. The combined model is called bat-optimized OCSVM. In this model, the area under the curve (AUC) of OCSVM is taken as the fitness value of the objective function optimized by the bat algorithm, the value ranges of the initialization parameters of OCSVM are used to specify the search space of bat population, and the optimal parameters of OCSVM are automatically determined through the iterative search process of the bat algorithm. The bat-optimized OCSVMs were used to map mineral prospectivity of the Helong district, Jilin Province, China, and compared with the OCSVM initialized by the default parameters (i.e., common OCSVM) and the OCSVM optimized by trial and error. The results show that (a) the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the trial and error-optimized OCSVM is intersected with those of the bat-optimized OCSVMs and (b) the ROC curves of the optimized OCSVMs slightly dominate that of the common OCSVM in the ROC space. The area under the curves (AUCs) of the common and trial and error-optimized OCSVMs (0.8268 and 0.8566) are smaller than those of the bat-optimized ones (0.8649 and 0.8644). The optimal threshold for extracting mineral targets was determined by using the Youden index. The mineral targets predicted by the common and trial and error-optimized OCSVMs account for 29.61% and 18.66% of the study area respectively, and contain 93% and 86% of the known mineral deposits. The mineral targets predicted by the bat-optimized OCSVMs account for 19.84% and 14.22% of the study area respectively, and also contain 93% and 86% of the known mineral deposits. Therefore, we have 0.93/0.2961 = 3.1408 < 0.86/0.1866 = 4.6088 < 0.93/0.1984 = 4.6875 < 0.86/0.1422 = 6.0478, indicating that the bat-optimized OCSVMs perform slightly better than the common and trial and error-optimized OCSVMs in mineral prospectivity mapping.
Phosphate Mine Tailing Recycling in Membrane Filter Manufacturing: Microstructure and Filtration Suitability
Authors: Loutou Mohamed , Misrar Wafa , Koudad Mohammed , Mansori Mohammed , Grase Liga , Favotto Claude , Taha Yassine , Hakkou Rachid
Published: May 2019

Ceramic membrane filters based on industrial by-products can be considered to be a valorization alternative of phosphate mine tailings, even more so if these ceramic membranes are used in the industrial wastewater treatment due to their good mechanical, chemical, and thermal resistance. The depollution of textile industry rejections with this method has not been studied in detail previously. In this work, ceramic membrane filters have been manufactured from natural clay and phosphate mine tailings (phosphate sludge). Blends of the abovementioned materials with a pore-forming agent (sawdust, up to 20 wt. %) were investigated in the range 900–1100 °C using thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and mercury porosimetry. Ceramic properties were measured as a function of firing temperature and sawdust addition. Filtration tests were carried out on samples with advantageous properties. The results showed that gehlenite together with diopside neoformed from lime decomposed carbonates and breakdown products of clay minerals, while calcium phosphate derived from partial decomposition of fluorapatite. Both quartz and fluorapatite resisted heating. The results of the experimental design showed that the variations of physical properties versus processing factors were well described by the polynomial model. Filtration results are quite interesting, allowing these membranes to be used in industrial effluent treatment.
A Combined AFM and Lateral Stretch Device Enables Microindentation Analyses of Living Cells at High Strains
Authors: Ahrens Dave , Rubner Wolfgang , Springer Ronald , Hampe Nico , Gehlen Jenny , Magin Thomas M. , Hoffmann Bernd , Merkel Rudolf
Published: May 2019

Mechanical characterization of living cells undergoing substantial external strain promises insights into material properties and functional principles of mechanically active tissues. However, due to the high strains that occur in physiological situations (up to 50%) and the complex structure of living cells, suitable experimental techniques are rare. In this study, we introduce a new system composed of an atomic force microscope (AFM), a cell stretching system based on elastomeric substrates, and light microscopy. With this system, we investigated the influence of mechanical stretch on monolayers of keratinocytes. In repeated indentations at the same location on one particular cell, we found significant stiffening at 25% and 50% strain amplitude. To study the contribution of intermediate filaments, we used a mutant keratinocyte cell line devoid of all keratins. For those cells, we found a softening in comparison to the wild type, which was even more pronounced at higher strain amplitudes.
Efficient Light Management in a Monolithic Tandem Perovskite/Silicon Solar Cell by Using a Hybrid Metasurface
Authors: Elshorbagy Mahmoud H. , García-Cámara Braulio , López-Fraguas Eduardo , Vergaz Ricardo
Published: May 2019

Solar energy is now dealing with the challenge of overcoming the Shockley–Queisser limit of single bandgap solar cells. Multilayer solar cells are a promising solution as the so-called third generation of solar cells. The combination of materials with different bandgap energies in multijunction cells enables power conversion efficiencies up to 30% at reasonable costs. However, interfaces between different layers are critical due to optical losses. In this work, we propose a hybrid metasurface in a monolithic perovskite-silicon solar cell. The design takes advantage of light management to optimize the absorption in the perovskite, as well as an efficient light guiding towards the silicon subcell. Furthermore, we have also included the effect of a textured back contact. The optimum proposal provides an enhancement of the matched short-circuit current density of a 20.5% respect to the used planar reference.
Orange/Red Photoluminescence Enhancement Upon SF6 Plasma Treatment of Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanorods
Authors: Achour Amine , Islam Mohammad , Vizireanu Sorin , Ahmad Iftikhar , Akram Muhammad Aftab , Saeed Khalid , Dinescu Gheorghe , Pireaux Jean-Jacques
Published: May 2019

Although the origin and possible mechanisms for green and yellow emission from different zinc oxide (ZnO) forms have been extensively investigated, the same for red/orange PL emission from ZnO nanorods (nR) remains largely unaddressed. In this work, vertically aligned zinc oxide nanorods arrays (ZnO nR) were produced using hydrothermal process followed by plasma treatment in argon/sulfur hexafluoride (Ar/SF6) gas mixture for different time. The annealed samples were highly crystalline with ~45 nm crystallite size, (002) preferred orientation, and a relatively low strain value of 1.45 × 10−3, as determined from X-ray diffraction pattern. As compared to as-deposited ZnO nR, the plasma treatment under certain conditions demonstrated enhancement in the room temperature photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity, in the visible orange/red spectral regime, by a factor of 2. The PL intensity enhancement induced by SF6 plasma treatment may be attributed to surface chemistry modification as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies. Several factors including presence of hydroxyl group on the ZnO surface, increased oxygen level in the ZnO lattice (OL), generation of F–OH and F–Zn bonds and passivation of surface states and bulk defects are considered to be active towards red/orange emission in the PL spectrum. The PL spectra were deconvoluted into component Gaussian sub-peaks representing transitions from conduction-band minimum (CBM) to oxygen interstitials (Oi) and CBM to oxygen vacancies (VO) with corresponding photon energies of 2.21 and 1.90 eV, respectively. The optimum plasma treatment route for ZnO nanostructures with resulting enhancement in the PL emission offers strong potential for photonic applications such as visible wavelength phosphors.
Low-Power Graphene/ZnO Schottky UV Photodiodes with Enhanced Lateral Schottky Barrier Homogeneity
Authors: Lee Youngmin , Kim Deuk Young , Lee Sejoon
Published: May 2019

The low-power, high-performance graphene/ZnO Schottky photodiodes were demonstrated through the direct sputter-growth of ZnO onto the thermally-cleaned graphene/SiO2/Si substrate at room temperature. Prior to the growth of ZnO, a thermal treatment of the graphene surface was performed at 280 °C for 10 min in a vacuum to desorb chemical residues that may serve as trap sites at the interface between graphene and ZnO. The device clearly showed a rectifying behavior with the Schottky barrier of ≈0.61 eV and an ideality factor of 1.16. Under UV illumination, the device exhibited the excellent photoresponse characteristics in both forward and reverse bias regions. When illuminating UV light with the optical power density of 0.62 mW/cm2, the device revealed a high on/off current ratio of >103 even at a low bias voltage of 0.1 V. For the transient characteristics upon switching of UV light pulses, the device represented a fast and stable photoresponse (i.e., rise time: 0.16 s, decay time: 0.19 s). From the temperature-dependent current–voltage characteristics, such an outstanding photoresponse characteristic was found to arise from the enhanced Schottky barrier homogeneity via the thermal treatment of the graphene surface. The results suggest that the ZnO/graphene Schottky diode holds promise for the application in high-performance low-power UV photodetectors.
Knowledge of Health Professionals Regarding Vegetarian Diets from Pregnancy to Adolescence: An Observational Study
Authors: Bettinelli Maria Enrica , Bezze Elena , Morasca Laura , Plevani Laura , Sorrentino Gabriele , Morniroli Daniela , Giannì Maria Lorella , Mosca Fabio
Published: May 2019

The number of people adopting vegetarian diets is constantly increasing, and many among them are young parents who decide to share their diet with their children. The aim of this study was to investigate health professionals’ knowledge regarding the adoption of vegetarian diets from pregnancy to adolescence. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The administered questionnaire, which was based on the recommendations of the most up-to-date guidelines, included two macro areas: The first investigated the sociodemographic and professional profile of the interviewees and the second addressed the knowledge of the participants regarding vegetarian diets. A total of 418 health professionals in Italy were interviewed, of whom 65.8% were nursing staff. Among the participants, 79.9% had not attended a nutrition course in the previous five years. A correct definition of a vegetarian/vegan diet was provided by 34.1% of the participants. The answers regarding knowledge of nutrients were correct in 20% of cases, whereas correct answers to questions assessing knowledge of the risk and benefits of a vegetarian diet and the adoption of a vegetarian diet throughout the life cycle were given by 45% and 39.4% of the participants, respectively. A significant correlation between the items of the second macro area that investigated the knowledge and dietary habits of the participants was found for seven items. The results of the study indicate that health professionals do not have complete and exhaustive knowledge about vegetarian diets and lack information on health outcomes and the adoption of a vegetarian diet throughout the different life cycles and nutrients. Improving pre- and in-service learning opportunities in vegetarian nutrition for health professionals is strongly advisable.
Role of Calcium and Low-Fat Dairy Foods in Weight-Loss Outcomes Revisited: Results from the Randomized Trial of Effects on Bone and Body Composition in Overweight/Obese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ilich Jasminka Z. , Kelly Owen J. , Liu Pei-Yang , Shin Hyehyung , Kim Youjin , Chi Yichih , Wickrama Kandauda K. A. S. , Colic-Baric Irena
Published: May 2019

Several studies have investigated the possibility of dairy foods and calcium (Ca) mediating weight and body composition, but a consensus has not been reached. We aimed to investigate weight-loss-related outcomes during intervention with low-fat dairy foods or Ca + vitamin D supplements, both as complements to hypocaloric diets. Overweight/obese Caucasian, early-postmenopausal women (n = 135) were recruited for a 6 month energy-restricted weight loss study complemented with either low-fat dairy foods (D; 4–5 servings/day), or Ca + vitamin D supplements (S); both to amount a total of ~1500 mg/day and 600 IU/day of Ca and vitamin D, respectively, or placebo pills (C). Bone mineral density (BMD) and lean and fat tissue were measured by Lunar iDXA. Serum and urinary markers of bone turnover were analyzed. Diet and physical activity were assessed with 3-day records. Participants on average lost ~4%, ~3%, and ~2% of body weight, fat, and lean tissue, respectively. The significantly better outcomes were noticed in participants in the D group regarding body composition (fat loss/lean tissue preservation) and in participants in the S group regarding the BMD outcomes, compared to those in the C group. Therefore, increasing low-fat dairy foods to 4–5 servings/day and/or increasing Ca & vitamin D intake by supplements (in those who are at the borderline dietary intake) may be beneficial for weight loss/maintenance and may lead to more favorable bone and body composition outcomes in postmenopausal women during moderate weight loss.
Anti-Photoaging Effects of Four Insect Extracts by Downregulating Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression via Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Dependent Signaling
Authors: Im A-Rang , Ji Kon-Young , Park InWha , Lee Joo Young , Kim Ki Mo , Na MinKyun , Chae Sungwook
Published: May 2019

Insects are some of the most diverse organisms on the planet, and have potential value as food or medicine. Here, we investigated the photoprotective properties of insect extracts using hairless mice. The alleviating wrinkle formation effects of insect extracts were evaluated by histological skin analysis to determine epidermal thickness and identify collagen fiber damage. Moreover, we investigated the ability of the insect extracts to alleviate UVB-induced changes to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), oxidative damage, the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway, and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Insect extracts reduced UVB-induced skin winkles, epidermal thickening, and collagen breakdown, and alleviated the epidermal barrier dysfunction induced by UVB, including the increased loss of transepidermal water. Moreover, the expression of skin hydration-related markers such as hyaluronic acid, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and procollagen was upregulated in the group treated with insect extracts compared to the vehicle-treated group after ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure. UVB irradiation also upregulated the expression of MMPs, the phosphorylation of MAPKs, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which were all attenuated by the oral administration of insect extracts. These results indicate the photoaging protection effect of insect extracts and the underlying mechanism, demonstrating the potential for clinical development.
Rice Hull Extract (RHE) Suppresses Adiposity in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice and Inhibits Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Kim Ga-Hee , Ju Jae-Yun , Chung Kyung-Sook , Cheon Se-Yun , Gil Tae-Young , Cominguez Divina C. , Cha Yun-Yeop , Lee Jong-Hyun , Roh Seong-Soo , An Hyo-Jin
Published: May 2019

Obesity is one of major health challenges in the industrial world. Although rice hull has been reported to show various bioactivities, no studies have evaluated its anti-obesity effect. We hope to demonstrate the anti-obesity effect of rice hull extract (RHE) and the underlying mechanism in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Serum lipid profiles were determined by enzymatic methods. Histological analysis of liver and epididymis fat tissues was carried out with hematoxylin and eosin stain. The mRNA expression of adipogenic markers was analyzed with qRT-PCR and western blotting. Oral administration of RHE reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation in HFD-fed mice. RHE also reduced lipid accumulation by inhibiting the mRNA expression of adipogenic-related genes in HFD-fed obese mice and differentiated preadipocytes. The downregulation of adipogenesis by RHE was mediated through the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). In addition, RHE induced the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) in liver and epididymis adipose tissues of HFD-fed obese mice. Taken together, these findings indicate that RHE could inhibit the differentiation of adipose cell and prevent HFD-induced obesity, suggesting its potential in the prevention of obesity and metabolic syndrome and related-disorders.
Green Tea Intake and Risks for Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kakutani Saki , Watanabe Hiroshi , Murayama Norihito
Published: May 2019

Dementia has become a major issue that requires urgent measures. The prevention of dementia may be influenced by dietary factors. We focused on green tea and performed a systematic review of observational studies that examined the association between green tea intake and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or cognitive impairment. We searched for articles registered up to 23 August 2018, in the PubMed database and then for references of original articles or reviews that examined tea and cognition. Subsequently, the extracted articles were examined regarding whether they included original data assessing an association of green tea intake and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or cognitive impairment. Finally, we included three cohort studies and five cross-sectional studies. One cohort study and three cross-sectional studies supported the positive effects of green tea intake. One cohort study and one cross-sectional study reported partial positive effects. The remaining one cohort study and one cross-sectional study showed no significant association of green tea intake. These results seem to support the hypothesis that green tea intake might reduce the risk for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or cognitive impairment. Further results from well-designed and well-conducted cohort studies are required to derive robust evidence.
Exploring Associations between Interindividual Differences in Taste Perception, Oral Microbiota Composition, and Reported Food Intake
Authors: Cattaneo Camilla , Riso Patrizia , Laureati Monica , Gargari Giorgio , Pagliarini Ella
Published: May 2019

The role of taste perception, its relationship with oral microbiota composition, and their putative link with eating habits and food intake were the focus of the present study. A sample of 59 reportedly healthy adults (27 male, 32 female; age: 23.3 ± 2.6 years) were recruited for the study and taste thresholds for basic tastes, food intake, and oral microbiota composition were evaluated. Differences in taste perception were associated with different habitual food consumption (i.e., frequency) and actual intake. Subjects who were orally hyposensitive to salty taste reported consuming more bakery and salty baked products, saturated-fat-rich products, and soft drinks than hypersensitive subjects. Subjects hyposensitive to sweet taste reported consuming more frequently sweets and desserts than the hypersensitive group. Moreover, subjects hypersensitive to bitter taste showed higher total energy and carbohydrate intakes compared to those who perceived the solution as less bitter. Some bacterial taxa on tongue dorsum were associated with gustatory functions and with vegetable-rich (e.g., Prevotella) or protein/fat-rich diets (e.g., Clostridia). Future studies will be pivotal to confirm the hypothesis and the potential exploitation of oral microbiome as biomarker of long-term consumption of healthy or unhealthy diets.
Application of Direct Sonoporation from a Defined Surface Area of the Peritoneum: Evaluation of Transfection Characteristics in Mice
Authors: Nishimura Koyo , Yonezawa Keita , Fumoto Shintaro , Miura Yusuke , Hagimori Masayori , Nishida Koyo , Kawakami Shigeru
Published: May 2019

In the present study, we developed a sonoporation system, namely “direct sonoporation”, for transfecting the peritoneum from a defined surface area to avoid systematic side effects. Here, the transfection characteristics are explained because there is less information about direct sonoporation. Naked pDNA and nanobubbles were administered to diffusion cell attached to the visceral and parietal peritoneum from the liver and peritoneal wall surface, respectively. Then, ultrasound was irradiated. Direct sonoporation showed a higher transfection efficacy at the applied peritoneum site from the liver surface while other sites were not detected. Moreover, transgene expression was observed in the peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) at the applied peritoneum site. No abnormality was observed in the inner part of the liver. Although transgene expression of the visceral peritoneum was tenfold higher than that of the parietal peritoneum, transgene expression was observed in the PMCs on both the applied peritoneum sites. These results suggest that direct sonoporation is a site-specific transfection method of the PMCs on the applied peritoneum site without transgene expression at other sites and show little toxicity in the inner tissues at the applied site via cavitation energy. This information is valuable for the development of an intraperitoneal sonoporation device for treatment of peritoneal diseases such as peritoneal fibrosis.
Numerical Simulation of Mid-Infrared Optical Frequency Comb Generation in Chalcogenide As2S3 Microbubble Resonators
Authors: Anashkina Elena A. , Marisova Maria P. , Sorokin Arseny A. , Andrianov Alexey V.
Published: May 2019

Mid-infrared optical frequency comb generation in whispering gallery mode microresonators attracts significant interest. Chalcogenide glass microresonators are good candidates for operating in the mid-infrared range. We present the first theoretical analysis of optical frequency comb generation in As2S3 microbubble resonators in the 3–4 μm range. The regime of dissipative soliton plus dispersive wave generation is simulated numerically in the frame of the Lugiato–Lefever equation. Using microbubble geometry allows controlling of the zero-dispersion wavelength and the obtaining of anomalous dispersion needed for soliton generation at the pump wavelength of 3.5 μm, whereas the zero-dispersion wavelength of the analyzed As2S3 glass is ~4.8 μm. It is shown that, for the optimized characteristics of microbubble resonators, optical frequency combs with a spectral width of more than 700 nm (at the level of −30 dB) can be obtained with the low pump power of 10 mW.
Aeration Process in Bioreactors as the Main Energy Consumer in a Wastewater Treatment Plant. Review of Solutions and Methods of Process Optimization
Authors: Drewnowski Jakub , Remiszewska-Skwarek Anna , Duda Sylwia , Łagód Grzegorz
Published: May 2019

Due to the key role of the biological decomposition process of organic compounds in wastewater treatment, a very important thing is appropriate aeration of activated sludge, because microorganisms have to be supplied with an appropriate amount of oxygen. Aeration is one of the most energy-consuming processes in the conventional activated sludge systems of wastewater treatment technology (may consume from 50% to 90% of electricity used by a plant), which makes it the most cost-generating process incurred by treatment plants. The paper presents the construction of aeration systems, their classification as well as parameters and factors that significantly affect the aeration process e.g., oxygen transfer efficiency, diffuser fouling, methods of dealing with diffuser fouling, diffuser selection. Additionally, there are briefly presented “smart control” systems in wastewater treatment and effect of application control strategy based on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system connected with the decrease in the energy consumption for aeration of bioreactors with activated sludge. It is noted that before the process is optimized, the system should be equipped with suitable metering devices. Only when relevant data is available, the improvements can be carried out. However, it’s important, that the operator should regularly maintain good condition and high efficiency of diffusers.
Spatial Evolution of the Energy and Economic Centers of Gravity
Authors: Tóth Géza , Sebestyén Szép Tekla
Published: May 2019

Increasing energy demand and economic performance can be observed in emerging markets and, in parallel, their share in world energy use and in global GDP is growing as well. It causes significant spatial shifts and calls attention for a new geography of energy demand. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the spatial distribution of energy use and economic growth focusing on the link between them. Developing gravity models, we identify the economic and energy centres of gravity in the world and on different continents and reveal their movements between 1990 and 2015, in particular, the directions of the shifts. Bi-dimensional regression analysis and the method of standard distance are applied to compare these movements. The study utilizes cartograms to visualize how the space is changed and distorted by the field of force. It can be stated that the economic and energy centre of gravity can be found in the Mediterranean Basin, but a slow and gradual shift to the east can be observed. Currently it reflects the dominance of the north, but it marks the position loss of the northern hemisphere and the greater importance of developing economies (in the southern hemisphere).
Modeling the Stereoscopic Features of Mountainous Forest Landscapes for the Extraction of Forest Heights from Stereo Imagery
Authors: Ni Wenjian , Zhang Zhiyu , Sun Guoqing , Liu Qinhuo
Published: May 2019

Spaceborne stereoscopic systems have been growing in recent years, and the point cloud extracted from spaceborne stereo imagery has been used to measure forest spatial structures. These systems work on different viewing angles and image spatial resolutions, which are two critical factors determining the quality of the derived point cloud. In addition, the complex terrain is also a great challenge for the regional mapping of forest spatial structures using spaceborne stereo imagery. Although several theoretical models for simulating multi-view spectral features of forest canopies have been developed, there is hardly any report of a stereoscopic analysis using these models due to the limited size of the simulated forest scenes and the lack of a geometric sensory model (i.e., physical relationship between two-dimensional image coordinates and three-dimensional georeferenced coordinates). The stereoscopic features (i.e., parallax) are, as important as the spectral features contained in the multi-view images of a targeted area, the basis for the extraction of a point cloud. In this study, a new model, referred to as LandStereo model, has been proposed, which is capable of simulating the stereoscopic features of forest canopies over mountainous areas at landscape scales. The model comprised five parts, including defining the mountainous forest landscapes, setting the sun-senor observation geometry, simulating images, generating ground control points, and building geometric sensor models. The LandStereo model was validated over three different scenes, including flat forest landscapes, bare mountain landscapes, and mountainous forest landscapes. The results clearly demonstrated that the LandStereo model worked well on simulating stereoscopic features of both terrains and forest canopies at landscape scales. The extracted height of a forest canopy top from simulated stereo imagery was highly correlated to the truth (R2 = 0.96 and RMSE = 0.99 m) over the flat terrains and (R2 = 0.92 and RMSE = 1.15 m) over the mountainous areas. The LandStereo model provided a powerful tool to further our understanding of the relationships between forest spatial structures and point cloud extracted from stereo imagery acquired from different view angles and spatial resolutions under complex terrain conditions.
Identification of Natural and Anthropogenic Drivers of Vegetation Change in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Megacity Region
Authors: Zhao Yinbing , Sun Ranhao , Ni Zhongyun
Published: May 2019

Identifying the natural and anthropogenic mechanisms of vegetation changes is the basis for adapting to climate change and optimizing human activities. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei megacity region, which is characterized by significant geomorphic gradients, was chosen as the case study area. The ordinary least squares (OLS) method was used to calculate the NDVI trends and related factors from 2000 to 2015. A geographic weighted regression (GWR) model of NDVI trends was constructed using 14 elements of seven categories. Combined with the GWR calculation results, the mechanisms of the effects of explanatory variables on NDVI changes were analyzed. The findings suggest that the overall vegetation displayed an increasing trend from 2000 to 2015, with an NDVI increase of ca. 0.005/year. Additionally, the NDVI fluctuations in individual years were closely related to precipitation and temperature anomalies. The spatial pattern of the NDVI change was highly consistent with the gradients of geomorphology, climate, and human activities, which have a tendency to gradually change from northwest to southeast. The dominant climate-driven area accounted for only 5.98% of the total study area. The vegetation improvement areas were regionally concentrated and had various driving factors, and vegetation degradation exhibited strong spatial heterogeneity. The vegetation degradation was mainly caused by human activities. Natural vegetation was improved because of natural factors and reductions in human activities. Moreover, cropland vegetation as well as urban and built-up area improvements were related to increased human actions and decreased natural effects. This study can assist in ecological restoration planning and ecological engineering implementation in the study area.
Uncertainty Characterization and Propagation in the Community Long-Term Infrared Microwave Combined Atmospheric Product System (CLIMCAPS)
Authors: Smith Nadia , Barnet Christopher D.
Published: May 2019

The Community Long-term Infrared Microwave Combined Atmospheric Product System (CLIMCAPS) retrieves multiple Essential Climate Variables (ECV) about the vertical atmosphere from hyperspectral infrared measurements made by the Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS, 2002–present) and its successor, the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS, 2011–present). CLIMCAPS ECVs are profiles of temperature and water vapor, column amounts of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4), ozone (O3) and precursor gases (CO, SO2) as well as cloud properties. AIRS (and CrIS) spectral measurements are highly correlated signals of many atmospheric state variables. CLIMCAPS inverts an AIRS (and CrIS) measurement into a set of discrete ECVs by employing a sequential Bayesian approach in which scene-dependent uncertainty is rigorously propagated. This not only linearizes the inversion problem but explicitly accounts for spectral interference from other state variables so that the correlation among ECVs (and their uncertainty) may be minimized. Here, we outline the CLIMCAPS retrieval methodology with specific focus given to its sequential scene-dependent uncertainty propagation system. We conclude by demonstrating continuity in two CLIMCAPS ECVs across AIRS and CrIS so that a long-term data record may be generated to study the feedback cycles characterizing our climate system.