bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Additives on Reaction Characteristics of Fluorapatite During Coal-Based Reduction of Iron Ore
Authors: Sun Yongsheng , Zhou Wentao , Han Yuexin , Li Yanjun
Published: August 2019

In the coal-based reduction of high phosphorus oolitic hematite, it is particularly important to study the mechanism of phosphorus regulation during the formation of iron metals for the efficient development and utilization of iron ore. In this study, the thermodynamics of the coal-based reduction process of fluorapatite in different mineral systems, effect mechanism of the reduction degree, kinetics, mineral composition, and morphology of structural evolution samples were systematically investigated using FactSage software, single factor analysis, the isothermal method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Thermodynamic analysis indicates that the effect of the SiO2–Fe2O3–C system on reducing the initial reduction temperature of fluorapatite was stronger than that of the Al2O3–Fe2O3–C system. The effect mechanism of the reduction degree demonstrates that increasing the dosage of silica, iron oxide, carbon, reduction time, and reduction temperature could promote the reduction reaction of fluorapatite under certain conditions. Dynamics analysis shows that the best kinetic mechanism functions of the SiO2–Fe2O3–C system and the Al2O3–Fe2O3–C system were A1/3 = 1/3(1 − α)[−ln(1 − α)]−2 and A1/2 = 1/2(1 − α)[−ln(1 − α)]−1, respectively. The activation energy and pre-exponential factor of the reduction kinetics equation in the system containing silica were significantly lower than that in the system containing alumina, which explained that the catalytic effect of silica on the reduction of calcium fluorophosphate was far greater than that of alumina. XRD and SEM/EDS analysis indicate that the solid–solid reaction of alumina, silica, iron, and fluorapatite occurred during the reduction process, while calcium aluminate, calcium silicate, and calcium oxide were formed at the contact point. Among them, iron could absorb P2 gas so that it played a greater role in promoting the reduction of fluorapatite. Increasing the reduction temperature and prolonging the reduction time were beneficial to the reduction of fluorapatite.
Quantitative Assessment of the Time to End Bainitic Transformation
Authors: Santajuana Miguel A. , Eres-Castellanos Adriana , Ruiz-Jimenez Victor , Allain Sebastien , Geandier Guillaume , Caballero Francisca G. , Garcia-Mateo Carlos
Published: August 2019

Low temperature bainite consists of an intimate mixture of bainitic ferrite and retained austenite, usually obtained by isothermal treatments at temperatures close to the martensite start temperature and below the bainite start temperature. There is widespread belief regarding the extremely long heat treatments necessary to achieve such a microstructure, but still there are no unified and objective criteria to determine the end of the bainitic transformation that allow for meaningful results and its comparison. A very common way to track such a transformation is by means of a high-resolution dilatometer. The relative change in length associated with the bainitic transformation has a very characteristic sigmoidal shape, with low transformation rates at the beginning and at end of the transformation but rapid in between. The determination of the end of transformation is normally subjected to the ability and experience of the “operator” and is therefore subjective. What is more, in the case of very long heat treatments, like those needed for low temperature bainite (from hours to days), differences in the criteria used to determine the end of transformation might lead to differences that might not be assumable from an industrial point of view. This work reviews some of the most common procedures and attempts to establish a general criterion to determine the end of bainitic transformation, based on the differential change in length (transformation rate) derived from a single experiment. The proposed method has been validated by means of the complementary use of hardness measurements, X-ray diffraction and in situ high energy X-ray diffraction.
Construction of a CQDs/Ag3PO4/BiPO4 Heterostructure Photocatalyst with Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B under Simulated Solar Irradiation
Authors: Gao Huajing , Zheng Chengxiang , Yang Hua , Niu Xiaowei , Wang Shifa
Published: August 2019

A carbon quantum dot (CQDs)/Ag3PO4/BiPO4 heterostructure photocatalyst was constructed by a simple hydrothermal synthesis method. The as-prepared CQDs/Ag3PO4/BiPO4 photocatalyst has been characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical measurements. It is demonstrated that the CQDs/Ag3PO4/BiPO4 composite is constructed by assembling Ag3PO4 fine particles and CQDs on the surface of rice-like BiPO4 granules. The CQDs/Ag3PO4/BiPO4 heterostructure photocatalyst exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of the rhodamine B dye than that of Ag3PO4, BiPO4, and Ag3PO4/BiPO4. The synergistic effects of light absorption capacity, band edge position, separation, and utilization efficiency of photogenerated carriers play the key role for the enhanced photodegradation of the rhodamine B dye.
A Floating Gate Memory with U-Shape Recessed Channel for Neuromorphic Computing and MCU Applications
Authors: Gan Lu-Rong , Wang Ya-Rong , Chen Lin , Zhu Hao , Sun Qing-Qing
Published: August 2019

We have simulated a U-shape recessed channel floating gate memory by Sentaurus TCAD tools. Since the floating gate (FG) is vertically placed between source (S) and drain (D), and control gate (CG) and HfO2 high-k dielectric extend above source and drain, the integrated density can be well improved, while the erasing and programming speed of the device are respectively decreased to 75 ns and 50 ns. In addition, comprehensive synaptic abilities including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are demonstrated in our U-shape recessed channel FG memory, highly resembling the biological synapses. These simulation results show that our device has the potential to be well used as embedded memory in neuromorphic computing and MCU (Micro Controller Unit) applications.
Efficiency of Phage φ6 for Biocontrol of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae: An in Vitro Preliminary Study
Authors: Pinheiro Larindja A. M. , Pereira Carla , Frazão Carolina , Balcão Victor M. , Almeida Adelaide
Published: August 2019

Pseudomonas syringae is a plant-associated bacterial species that has been divided into more than 60 pathovars, with the Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae being the main causative agent of diseases in a wide variety of fruit trees. The most common treatments for biocontrol of P. syringae pv. syringae infections has involved copper derivatives and/or antibiotics. However, these treatments should be avoided due to their high toxicity to the environment and promotion of bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is essential to search for new approaches for controlling P. syringae pv. syringae. Phage therapy can be a useful alternative tool to the conventional treatments to control P. syringae pv. syringae infections in plants. In the present study, the efficacy of bacteriophage (or phage) φ6 (a commercially available phage) was evaluated in the control of P. syringae pv. syringae. As the plants are exposed to the natural variability of physical and chemical parameters, the influence of pH, temperature, solar radiation and UV-B irradiation on phage φ6 viability was also evaluated in order to develop an effective phage therapy protocol. The host range analysis revealed that the phage, besides its host (P. syringae pv. syringae), also infects the Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae CRA-FRU 12.54 and P. syringae pv. actinidiae CRA-FRU 14.10 strains, not infecting strains from the other tested species. Both multiplicities of infection (MOIs) tested, 1 and 100, were effective to inactivate the bacterium, but the MOI 1 (maximum reduction of 3.9 log CFU/mL) was more effective than MOI 100 (maximum reduction of 2.6 log CFU/mL). The viability of phage φ6 was mostly affected by exposure to UV-B irradiation (decrease of 7.3 log PFU/mL after 8 h), exposure to solar radiation (maximum reduction of 2.1 PFU/mL after 6 h), and high temperatures (decrease of 8.5 PFU/mL after 6 days at 37 °C, but a decrease of only 2.0 log PFU/mL after 67 days at 15 °C and 25 °C). The host range, high bacterial control and low rates of development of phage-resistant bacterial clones (1.20 × 10−3) suggest that this phage can be used to control P. syringae pv. syringae infections in plants, but also to control infections by P. syringae pv. actinidiae, the causal agent of bacterial canker of kiwifruit. Although the stability of phage φ6 was affected by UV-B and solar radiation, this can be overcome by the application of phage suspensions at the end of the day or at night.
Does Soil Contribute to the Human Gut Microbiome?
Authors: Blum Winfried E.H. , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie , Keiblinger Katharina M.
Published: August 2019

Soil and the human gut contain approximately the same number of active microorganisms, while human gut microbiome diversity is only 10% that of soil biodiversity and has decreased dramatically with the modern lifestyle. We tracked relationships between the soil microbiome and the human intestinal microbiome. We propose a novel environmental microbiome hypothesis, which implies that a close linkage between the soil microbiome and the human intestinal microbiome has evolved during evolution and is still developing. From hunter-gatherers to an urbanized society, the human gut has lost alpha diversity. Interestingly, beta diversity has increased, meaning that people in urban areas have more differentiated individual microbiomes. On top of little contact with soil and feces, hygienic measures, antibiotics and a low fiber diet of processed food have led to a loss of beneficial microbes. At the same time, loss of soil biodiversity is observed in many rural areas. The increasing use of agrochemicals, low plant biodiversity and rigorous soil management practices have a negative effect on the biodiversity of crop epiphytes and endophytes. These developments concur with an increase in lifestyle diseases related to the human intestinal microbiome. We point out the interference with the microbial cycle of urban human environments versus pre-industrial rural environments. In order to correct these interferences, it may be useful to adopt a different perspective and to consider the human intestinal microbiome as well as the soil/root microbiome as ‘superorganisms’ which, by close contact, replenish each other with inoculants, genes and growth-sustaining molecules.
Omics Analysis for Dinoflagellates Biology Research
Authors: Bi Yali , Wang Fangzhong , Zhang Weiwen
Published: August 2019

Dinoflagellates are important primary producers for marine ecosystems and are also responsible for certain essential components in human foods. However, they are also notorious for their ability to form harmful algal blooms, and cause shellfish poisoning. Although much work has been devoted to dinoflagellates in recent decades, our understanding of them at a molecular level is still limited owing to some of their challenging biological properties, such as large genome size, permanently condensed liquid-crystalline chromosomes, and the 10-fold lower ratio of protein to DNA than other eukaryotic species. In recent years, omics technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have been applied to the study of marine dinoflagellates and have uncovered many new physiological and metabolic characteristics of dinoflagellates. In this article, we review recent application of omics technologies in revealing some of the unusual features of dinoflagellate genomes and molecular mechanisms relevant to their biology, including the mechanism of harmful algal bloom formations, toxin biosynthesis, symbiosis, lipid biosynthesis, as well as species identification and evolution. We also discuss the challenges and provide prospective further study directions and applications of dinoflagellates.
Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Enhances Biomass Production and Salt Tolerance of Sweet Sorghum
Authors: Wang Fayuan , Sun Yuhuan , Shi Zhaoyong
Published: August 2019

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (AMF) are widely known to form a symbiosis with most higher plants and enhance plant adaptation to a series of environmental stresses. Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is considered a promising alternative feedstock for bioalcohol production because of its sugar-rich stalk and high biomass. However, little is known of AMF benefit for biomass production and salt tolerance of sweet sorghum. Here, we investigated the effects of Acaulospora mellea ZZ on growth and salt tolerance in two sweet sorghum cultivars (Liaotian5 and Yajin2) under different NaCl addition levels (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 g NaCl/kg soil). Results showed AMF colonized the two cultivars well under all NaCl addition levels. NaCl addition increased mycorrhizal colonization rates in Yajin2, but the effects on Liaotian5 ranged from stimulatory at 0.5 and 1 g/kg to insignificant at 2 g/kg, and even inhibitory at 3 g/kg. High NaCl addition levels produced negative effects on both AM and non-AM plants, leading to lower biomass production, poorer mineral nutrition (N, P, K), higher Na+ uptake, and lower soluble sugar content in leaves. Compared with non-AM plants, AM plants of both cultivars had improved plant biomass and mineral uptake, as well as higher K+/Na+ ratio, but only Yajin2 plants had a low shoot/root Na ratio. AM inoculation increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and soluble sugar content in leaves. Overall, both cultivars benefited from mycorrhization, and Yajin2 with less salt tolerance showed higher mycorrhizal response. In conclusion, AMF could help to alleviate the negative effects caused by salinity, and thus showed potential in biomass production of sweet sorghum in saline soil.
Polyphasic, Including MALDI-TOF MS, Evaluation of Freeze-Drying Long-Term Preservation on Aspergillus (Section Nigri) Strains
Authors: Rodriguez Rodrigo , Santos Carla , Simões Marta F. , Soares Célia , Santos Cledir , Lima Nelson
Published: August 2019

This study aims to evaluate the effect of freeze-drying and long-term storage on the biotechnological potential of Aspergillus section Nigri strains. Twelve selected strains were freeze-dried and aged by accelerated storage, at 37 °C in the dark, for 2 and 4 weeks. To assess possible changes as a consequence of the ageing in the freeze-drying ampoules, morphological characteristics, mycotoxins and enzymes production, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALTI-TOF MS) spectra, and M13 phage probe fingerprinting were used as part of a polyphasic approach. Phenotypical changes were observed; nevertheless, they did not substantially affect the potential biotechnological use of these strains. The activity of hydrolytic enzymes (protease, carboxymethylcellulase, xylanase, pectinase and mannanase) was maintained or increased after freeze-drying. MALDI-TOF MS data originated spectra that grouped, for the majority of samples, according to strain independently of preservation time point. M13 profiles revealed the presence of some genetic polymorphisms after preservation. However, the three studied times still clustered for more than 50% of strains. Our results show that the studied strains maintain their biotechnological potential after preservation, with minimal phenotypic alterations. These findings provide evidence that freeze-drying preservation is a suitable option to preserve biotechnologically relevant aspergilli strains from section Nigri, and one should consider that the observed effects might be species/strain-dependent.
The Depression and Adsorption Mechanism of Polyglutamic Acid on Chalcopyrite and Pyrrhotite Flotation Systems
Authors: Khoso Sultan Ahmed , Gao Zhiyong , Meng Xiangsong , Hu Yuehua , Sun Wei
Published: August 2019

The rejection of pyrrhotite and pyrite has become a long-standing problem in the copper ore industry. This paper describes the first successful depression and adsorption mechanism of a novel and non-hazardous reagent, polyglutamic acid (PGA), on pyrrhotite in the selective flotation of chalcopyrite with xanthate as the collector, making use of various laboratory-scale measurement techniques. The addition of PGA inhibited the flotation of pyrrhotite much more strongly than that of the chalcopyrite in a wide pH range. The prior addition of PGA achieved an improved selective flotation of chalcopyrite from pyrrhotite at pH 8, at which the grade and recovery of chalcopyrite in concentrate were over 80%. Surface measurement techniques including XPS spectral, IR spectral, zeta potential, and reagent adsorption analyses indicated that the PGA interacted differently with the two minerals, and had much greater affinity towards pyrrhotite than chalcopyrite. The presence of PGA blocked the electrochemical activity of the collector on the pyrrhotite surface and thus depressed its flotation, whereas the adsorption of the collector and its oxidation to dixanthogen were more effective on the chalcopyrite surface, indicating a weaker interaction of PGA with chalcopyrite. Our results suggest that the application of PGA could replace the toxic inorganic depressants in flotation technology, and could significantly reduce the environmental impacts of processing.
Research Progress of Betalain in Response to Adverse Stresses and Evolutionary Relationship Compared with Anthocyanin
Authors: Li Ge , Meng Xiaoqing , Zhu Mingku , Li Zongyun
Published: August 2019

Betalains are applicable to many aspects of life, and their properties, characteristics, extraction and biosynthesis process have been thoroughly studied. Although betalains are functionally similar to anthocyanins and can substitute for them to provide pigments for plant color, it is rare to study the roles of betalains in plant responses to adverse environmental conditions. Owing to their antioxidant capability to remove excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants and humans, betalains have attracted much attention due to their bioactivity. In addition, betalains can also act as osmotic substances to regulate osmotic pressure in plants and play important roles in plant responses to adverse environmental conditions. The study of the physiological evolution of betalains is almost complete but remains complicated because the evolutionary relationship between betalains and anthocyanins is still uncertain. In this review, to provide a reference for the in-depth study of betalains compared with anthocyanins, the biochemical properties, biosynthesis process and roles of betalains in response to environmental stress are reviewed, and the relationship between betalains and anthocyanins is discussed.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Activities of Leaves, Bark, Twigs and Oleo-Resin of Dipterocarpus alatus
Authors: Yongram Chawalit , Sungthong Bunleu , Puthongking Ploenthip , Weerapreeyakul Natthida
Published: August 2019

Dipterocarpus alatus (Dipterocarpaceae) is a medicinal plant whose use is well known for the treatment of genito-urinary diseases. However, there is no report of its cytotoxic potential. In this study, the chemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of extracts of the leaves, bark, twigs and oleo-resin from D. alatus are investigated. Cytotoxicity was measured by the neutral red (NR) assay against HCT116, SKLU1, SK-MEL2, SiHa and U937 cancer cell lines and antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Leaf, bark and twig extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than oleo-resin, with bark extract showing the highest antioxidant activity and the highest total phenolic content. All samples showed more cytotoxic activity against the U937 cell line than HCT116, SKLU1, SK-MEL2 and SiHa cells with oleo-resin being more cytotoxic than melphalan against U937 cells. Chemical composition analysis of oleo-resin by GC-MS showed that the major components were sesquiterpenes, namely α-gurjunene (30.31%), (-)-isoledene (13.69%), alloaromadendrene (3.28%), β-caryophyllene (3.14%), γ-gurjunene (3.14%) and spathulenol (1.11%). The cytotoxic activity of oleo-resin can be attributed to the sesquiterpene content, whereas the cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of leaf, bark and twig extracts correlated to total phenolic content.
A New Fluorescent Chemosensor for Cobalt(II) Ions in Living Cells Based on 1,8-Naphthalimide
Authors: Liu Yu-Long , Yang Liu , Li Lu , Guo You-Quan , Pang Xiao-Xiao , Li Ping , Ye Fei , Fu Ying
Published: August 2019

In this work, a highly selective fluorescent chemosensor N-(2-(2-butyl-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-6-yl)hydrazine-1-carbonothioyl)benzamide (L) was prepared and characterized. An assay to detect the presence of cobalt(II) ions was developed by utilizing turn-on fluorescence enhancement with visual colorimetric response. Upon treatment with Co2+, a remarkable fluorescence enhancement located at 450 nm was visible to naked eyes accompanied with a distinct color change (from pink to colorless) in a CH3CN/HEPES (4/1, v/v, pH = 7.4) solution due to the formation of a 1:1 complex at room temperature. In addition, the linear concentration range for Co2+ was 0–25 µM with the limit of detection down to 0.26 µM. Thus, a highly sensitive fluorescent method based on chelation-assisted fluorescence enhancement was developed for the trace-level detection of Co2+. The sensor was found to be highly selective toward Co2+ ions with a large number of coexisting ions. Furthermore, the L probe can serve as a fluorescent sensor for Co2+ detecting in biological environments, demonstrating its low toxic properties to organisms and good cell permeability in live cell imaging.
A Green Water-Soluble Cyclophosphazene as a Flame Retardant Finish for Textiles
Authors: Mayer-Gall Thomas , Plohl Dennis , Derksen Leonie , Lauer Dana , Neldner Pia , Ali Wael , Fuchs Sabine , Gutmann Jochen S. , Opwis Klaus
Published: August 2019

Poly- and cyclophosphazenes are excellent flame retardants but currently, are not used as textile finishing agents because water-soluble and permanent washing systems are missing. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, the successful usage of a water-soluble cyclotriphosphazene derivative for textile finishing for cotton, different cotton/polyester, and cotton/polyamide blend fabrics. A durable finish was achieved using a photoinduced grafting reaction. The flame retardant properties of the various fabrics were improved with a higher limiting oxygen index, a reduced heat release rate, and an exhibition of intumescent. Furthermore, the finished textiles passed several standardized flammability tests.
An Assay to Study Intra-Chromosomal Deletions in Yeast
Authors: Lucas Bailey E. , McPherson Matthew T. , Hawk Tila M. , Wilson Lexia N. , Kroh Jacob M. , Hickman Kyle G. , Fitzgerald Sean R. , Disbennett W. Miguel , Rollins P. Daniel , Hylton Hannah M. , Baseer Mohammed A. , Montgomery Paige N. , Wu Jian-Qiu , Petreaca Ruben C.
Published: August 2019

An accurate DNA damage response pathway is critical for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Repair may occur by homologous recombination, of which many different sub-pathways have been identified. Some recombination pathways are conservative, meaning that the chromosome sequences are preserved, and others are non-conservative, leading to some alteration of the DNA sequence. We describe an in vivo genetic assay to study non-conservative intra-chromosomal deletions at regions of non-tandem direct repeats in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This assay can be used to study both spontaneous breaks arising during DNA replication and induced double-strand breaks created with the S. cerevisiae homothallic endonuclease (HO). The preliminary genetic validation of this assay shows that spontaneous breaks require rad52+ but not rad51+, while induced breaks require both genes, in agreement with previous studies. This assay will be useful in the field of DNA damage repair for studying mechanisms of intra-chromosomal deletions.
Role of Peptide Hormones in the Adaptation to Altered Dietary Protein Intake
Authors: Rose Adam J.
Published: August 2019

Dietary protein profoundly influences organismal traits ultimately affecting healthspan. While intracellular signalling downstream of altered amino acid supply is undoubtedly important, peptide hormones have emerged as critical factors determining systemic responses to variations in protein intake. Here the regulation and role of certain peptides hormones in such responses to altered dietary protein intake is reviewed.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Accuracy of Both Gamma Delta+ Intraepithelial Lymphocytes and Coeliac Lymphogram Evaluated by Flow Cytometry for Coeliac Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Fernández-Bañares Fernando , Carrasco Ana , Martín Albert , Esteve Maria
Published: August 2019

It has been suggested that in doubtful cases of coeliac disease, a high CD3+ T-cell receptor gamma delta+ (TCRγδ+) intraepithelial lymphocyte count increases the likelihood of coeliac disease. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of both an isolated increase of TCRγδ+ cells and a coeliac lymphogram (increase of TCRγδ+ plus decrease of CD3− intraepithelial lymphocytes) evaluated by flow cytometry in the diagnosis of coeliac disease. Methods: The literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE. The inclusion criteria were: an article that allows for the construction of a 2 × 2 table of true and false positive and true and false negative values. A diagnostic accuracy test meta-analysis was performed. Results: The search provided 49 relevant citations, of which 6 were selected for the analysis, which represented 519 patients and 440 controls. Coeliac lymphogram: The pooled S and Sp were 93% and 98%, without heterogeneity. The area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.97–0.99). TCRγδ+: Pooled S and Sp were both 95%, with significant heterogeneity. The AUC was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.98). Conclusions: Both TCRγδ+ count and coeliac lymphogram assessed by flow cytometry in duodenal mucosal samples are associated with a high level of diagnostic accuracy for and against coeliac disease.
Administration of Intravenous Ascorbic Acid—Practical Considerations for Clinicians
Authors: Walker Scott E. , Iazzetta John , Law Shirley , Kanji Salmaan , Bolduc Brigitte , Lamontagne François , Adhikari Neill K.J.
Published: August 2019

Emerging data suggest that intravenous ascorbic acid (AA) may be beneficial in patients with sepsis. Clinicians require data on stability of diluted AA for safe administration. We evaluated the stability of AA diluted in normal saline (NS) or 5% dextrose in water (D5W) solutions over 14 days at 25 °C and at 4 °C, protected from light, using concentrations of 37 mg/mL and 77 mg/mL (Sandoz) and 40 mg/mL and 92 mg/mL (Mylan). We also assessed stability of a 40 mg/mL solution (Mylan) at 25 °C exposed to light for 75 h. Concentrations were measured using liquid chromatographic separation with ultraviolet light detection on days 0, 0.33, 1, 1.33, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10 and 14. By day 14, solutions at 4 °C retained >97.72% of the initial concentration; at 25 °C, solutions retained >88.02% of the initial concentration, but visual changes were evident after day 2. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that study day and temperature (p < 0.001) but not solution type (p = 0.519), concentration (p = 0.677) or manufacturer (p = 0.808) were associated with the percentage remaining. At 75 h, degradation rates were similar in solutions protected from vs. exposed to light. In conclusion, AA solutions are stable for at least 14 days at 4 °C, with protection from light.
Association of the Dietary Index Underpinning the Nutri-Score Label with Oral Health: Preliminary Evidence from a Large, Population-Based Sample
Authors: Andreeva Valentina A. , Egnell Manon , Galan Pilar , Feron Gilles , Hercberg Serge , Julia Chantal
Published: August 2019

The 2017 implementation in France of the front-of-package nutrition label known as ‘Nutri-Score’ was intended as a public health strategy to help individuals make healthier food choices at the point of purchase and thus help reduce chronic disease on the population level. Nutri-Score and the associated individual-level dietary index are based on the British Food Standards Agency Nutrient Profiling System (FSAm-NPS-DI). Prior research has shed light on the relation between the dietary index and various physical health outcomes, yet no studies have explored the link with oral health. We analyzed the cross-sectional association of the dietary index with oral health in a population-based sample of 33,231 adults from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort. Oral health (main dependent variable) was assessed in 2016 with the General Oral Health Assessment Index; FSAm-NPS-DI (main independent variable) was calculated using ≥3 non-consecutive 24-h dietary records, following established methodology; lower scores corresponded to better diet quality. Age-specific associations were explored via multivariable linear regression. Fully-adjusted models showed modest yet significant associations between the dietary index and oral health in younger (18–59 years) and older (60+ years) participants, with the strength of the model being more pronounced in the former compared with the latter age group (F value: 28.5 versus 6.3, both p < 0.0001). Higher diet quality was associated with a somewhat lower risk of oral health problems. Albeit preliminary, the findings support the relevance of dietary indices underpinning nutrition labels such as the Nutri-Score. Future research is needed to confirm the associations.
The Effect of Hypo-Hydration on Mood and Cognition Is Influenced by Electrolyte in a Drink and Its Colour: A Randomised Trial
Authors: Cousins Alecia L. , Young Hayley A. , Thomas Andrew G. , Benton David
Published: August 2019

Traditionally, it has been thought necessary to lose 2% of body mass due to dehydration to disrupt functioning, although recently, adverse effects have been reported, with a loss of 0.5%–0.7%. It is, however, unclear whether the response to small reductions in mass reflects dehydration as homeostatic mechanisms are thought to be effective. As psychological responses are most commonly reported, it is strange that the possibility of a placebo response has not been considered. Individuals were therefore subject to a temperature of 30 °C for three hours, and mood and cognition were monitored. To consider changes in hydration status, drinks were compared, differing in their ability to rehydrate due to the presence or absence of electrolytes. The possibility of a placebo response was considered by comparing the response to plain or coloured water. Not drinking was disruptive, although a combination of plain water and electrolyte tended to be the most effective means of preventing a decline in mood, indicating a role for rehydration after a loss of 0.66% body mass. There was, however, also evidence of a placebo response: a combination of plain water and electrolyte tended to be better able to prevent a decline in mood than coloured water and electrolyte.
Trends in Intake of Energy and Total Sugar from Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in the United States among Children and Adults, NHANES 2003–2016
Authors: Marriott Bernadette P. , Hunt Kelly J. , Malek Angela M. , Newman Jill C.
Published: August 2019

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) increases total caloric intake, is linked to cardiometabolic outcomes as well as dental caries, and sugar in SSBs is associated with mortality and frailty among adults. We describe energy and total sugar intake trends among the United States (US) population from SSBs, soft drinks, other beverage groups, and the total diet based on the first 24-h recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles (2003–2004 through 2015–2016). SSBs included soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and fruit drinks, but excluded sports beverages with protein and sweetened teas/coffees. Among the total population (age ≥2 years: 57,026), energy intake from SSBs declined significantly from 183.9 ± 6.9 mean kcal/d (±SE) in 2003–2004 to 95.0 ± 3.5 in 2015–2016, while total sugar intake declined from 43.6 ± 1.7 mean g/d to 22.3 ± 0.8 (p-trend < 0.0001). Decreases were found for energy and total sugar intake, as well as percentage of energy and total sugar intake from SSBs, soft drinks, and all beverages for all age groups examined (≥2, 2–19, ≥20 years) (p-trend < 0.0001). From 2003 to 2016, energy and sugar intake from all beverages, SSBs, soft drinks, and the total diet decreased among the total population, children, and adults.
Association between Sociodemographic Factors and Dietary Patterns in Children Under 24 Months of Age: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gutiérrez-Camacho Claudia , Méndez-Sánchez Lucia , Klünder-Klünder Miguel , Clark Patricia , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar
Published: August 2019

Background: Understanding early-life complementary feeding dietary patterns and their determining factors could lead to better ways of improving nutrition in early childhood. The purpose of this review was to evaluate evidence of the association between sociodemographic factors and dietary patterns (DPs) in children under 24 months. Methods: Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Central, NICE guidelines, and Trip database were searched for observational studies that evaluated sociodemographic factors and their associations with DP. Results: Seven studies were selected for the present review. High education level among mothers was inversely associated with unhealthy DPs and positively associated with healthy DPs. Higher household income was negatively associated with unhealthy DPs. Four studies showed a positive association between low household income and unhealthy DPs and three studies showed a positive association between higher household income and healthy DPs. Additionally, in younger mothers, body mass index (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) and number of children were positively associated with unhealthy DPs. Conclusions: This review provides evidence of a positive association between mothers’ higher education level, higher household income, higher maternal age, and healthy dietary patterns as well as a negative association between these factors and unhealthy dietary patterns. Further studies from low- and middle-income countries are needed for comparison with associations showed in this review.
Palm Oil on the Edge
Authors: Gesteiro Eva , Guijarro Luis , Sánchez-Muniz Francisco J. , Vidal-Carou María del Carmen , Troncoso Ana , Venanci Lluis , Jimeno Vicente , Quilez Joan , Anadón Arturo , González-Gross Marcela
Published: August 2019

Internationally recognized Spanish experts in the food industry, nutrition, toxicology, sustainability, and veterinary science met in Madrid on July 2018 to develop a consensus about palm oil (PO) as a food ingredient. Their aim was to provide a useful, evidence-based point of reference about PO. Scientific evidence about the role of PO in food safety, nutrition and sustainability was analyzed. Main conclusions were: (1) RSPO foundation responded to the environmental impact of palm crops. The Amsterdam Declaration pursues the use of 100% sustainable PO in Europe by 2020. Awareness about choosing sustainable products will help to maintain local economies and environments in the producing countries; (2) evidence shows that a moderate intake of PO within a healthy diet presents no risks for health. No evidence justifies any change fat intake recommendations; (3) food industry is interested in assuring safe, sustainable and high-quality products. The use of certified sustainable PO is increasing; and (4) there is no evidence associating PO consumption and higher cancer risk, incidence or mortality in humans. Tolerable daily intake (TDI) for toxic contaminants (2-and 3-monochloropropanediols (MCPDs), glycidyl esters (GEs)) have been established by JECFA and EFSA. Consequently, the European Commission has modified the Contaminants Regulation for GEs and it is still working on 3-MCPDs’.
Ursolic Acid Derivatives as Potential Agents Against Acanthamoeba Spp.
Authors: Sifaoui Ines , Rodríguez-Expósito Rubén L. , Reyes-Batlle María , Rizo-Liendo Aitor , Piñero José E. , Bazzocchi Isabel L. , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Jiménez Ignacio A.
Published: August 2019

The current chemotherapy of Acanthamoeba keratitis relies on few drugs with low potential and limited efficacy, for all this there is an urgent need to identify new classes of anti-Acanthamoeba agents. In this regard, natural products play an important role in overcoming the current need and medicinal chemistry of natural products represents an attractive approach for the discovery and development of new agents. Ursolic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, possesses a broad spectrum of activities including anti-Acanthamoeba. Herein, we report on the development by chemical transformation of an ursolic acid-based series of seven compounds (2–8), one of them reported for the first time. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of their anti-Acanthamoeba activity revealed that acylation/ether formation or oxidation enhances their biological profile, suggesting that the hydrophobic moiety contributes to activity, presumably by increasing the affinity and/or cell membrane permeability. These ursolic acid derivatives highlight the potential of this source as a good base for the development of novel therapeutic agents against Acanthamoeba infections.
Folic Acid and PEI Modified Mesoporous Silica for Targeted Delivery of Curcumin
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Wang Nan , Yang Li-Ye , Ouyang Xiao-Kun , Huang Fangfang
Published: August 2019

Nano anti-cancer drug carriers loaded with antineoplastic drugs can achieve targeted drug delivery, which enriches drugs at tumor sites and reduces the toxic side effects in normal tissues. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are good nano drug carriers, as they have large specific surface areas, adjustable pore sizes, easily modifiable surfaces, and good biocompatibility. In this work, polyethyleneimine (PEI) grafted MSN were modified with folic acid (FA) as an active target molecule using chemical methods. The product was characterized by SEM, TEM, Zetasizer nano, FTIR, and an N2 adsorption and desorption test. MSN-PEI-FA are porous nano particles with an average particle size of approximately 100 nm. In addition, the loading rate and release behavior of MSN-PEI-FA were studied with curcumin as a model drug. The results show that when loading curcumin to MSN-PEI-FA at 7 mg and 0.1 g, respectively, the encapsulation efficiency was 90% and the cumulative release rate reached more than 50% within 120 h at pH = 5. This drug delivery system is suitable for loading fat-soluble antineoplastic drugs for sustained release and pH sensitive delivery.
Hydrogels Based Drug Delivery Synthesis, Characterization and Administration
Authors: Onaciu Anca , Munteanu Raluca Andrada , Moldovan Alin Iulian , Moldovan Cristian Silviu , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: August 2019

Hydrogels represent 3D polymeric networks specially designed for various medical applications. Due to their porous structure, they are able to swollen and to entrap large amounts of therapeutic agents and other molecules. In addition, their biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, together with a controlled release profile, make hydrogels a potential drug delivery system. In vivo studies have demonstrated their effectiveness as curing platforms for various diseases and affections. In addition, the results of the clinical trials are very encouraging and promising for the use of hydrogels as future target therapy strategies.
Shelf-Life Evaluation and Lyophilization of PBCA-Based Polymeric Microbubbles
Authors: Ojha Tarun , Pathak Vertika , Drude Natascha , Weiler Marek , Rommel Dirk , Rütten Stephan , Geinitz Bertram , van Steenbergen Mies J. , Storm Gert , Kiessling Fabian , Lammers Twan
Published: August 2019

Poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) microbubbles (PBCA-MB) are extensively employed for functional and molecular ultrasound (US) imaging, as well as for US-mediated drug delivery. To facilitate the use of PBCA-MB as a commercial platform for biomedical applications, it is important to systematically study and improve their stability and shelf-life. In this context, lyophilization (freeze drying) is widely used to increase shelf-life and promote product development. Here, we set out to analyze the stability of standard and rhodamine-B loaded PBCA-MB at three different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C), for a period of time of up to 20 weeks. In addition, using sucrose, glucose, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as cryoprotectants, we investigated if PBCA-MB can be lyophilized without affecting their size, concentration, US signal generation properties, and dye retention. Stability assessment showed that PBCA-MB remain largely intact for three and four weeks at 4 °C and 25 °C, respectively, while they disintegrate within one to two weeks at 37 °C, thereby compromising their acoustic properties. Lyophilization analyses demonstrated that PBCA-MB can be efficiently freeze-dried with 5% sucrose and 5% PVP, without changing their size, concentration, and US signal generation properties. Experiments involving rhodamine-B loaded MB indicated that significant dye leakage from the polymeric shell takes place within two to four weeks in case of non-lyophilized PBCA-MB. Lyophilization of rhodamine-loaded PBCA-MB with sucrose and PVP showed that the presence of the dye does not affect the efficiency of freeze-drying, and that the dye is efficiently retained upon MB lyophilization. These findings contribute to the development of PBCA-MB as pharmaceutical products for preclinical and clinical applications.
Time and the Problems of Television: Three Images
Authors: Barker Timothy
Published: August 2019

In this paper I look at three images and use them to discuss television and the conditions for the representation of time in the twenty-first century. The first image is from the UK’s Channel 4 news report following the November 2015 terror attacks in Paris. The paper begins by offering a theoretical critique of this televisual image and explores the grounding offered for the representation of fear and the contingent. From here, I explore two images from the experimental beginnings of television, which can be seen to provide the historical and technical conditions for the first image. The paper is media philosophical in method, critically analysing the way television can represent time and events by looking to its technical operation and its history as a technology rooted in solutions to time-based problems.
Cyclic Moisture Sorption and its Effects on the Thermomechanical Properties of Epoxy and Epoxy/MWCNT Nanocomposite
Authors: Glaskova-Kuzmina Tatjana , Aniskevich Andrey , Sevcenko Jevgenijs , Borriello Anna , Zarrelli Mauro
Published: August 2019

The aim of this work was to reveal the moisture absorption–desorption–resorption characteristics of epoxy and epoxy-based nanocomposites filled with different multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by investigating the reversibility of the moisture effect on their thermomechanical properties. Two types of MWCNTs with average diameters of 9.5 and 140 nm were used. For the neat epoxy and nanocomposite samples, the moisture absorption and resorption tests were performed in atmospheres with 47%, 73%, and 91% relative humidity at room temperature. Dynamic mechanical analysis was employed to evaluate the hygrothermal ageing effect for unconditioned and environmentally “aged” samples. It was found that moisture sorption was not fully reversible, and the extent of the irreversibility on thermomechanical properties was different for the epoxy and the nanocomposite. The addition of both types of MWCNTs to the epoxy resin reduced sorption characteristics for all sorption tests, improved the hygrothermal and reduced the swelling rate after the moisture absorption–desorption.
Effect of Thermal Treatment on Crystallinity of Poly(ethylene oxide) Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Polaskova Martina , Peer Petra , Cermak Roman , Ponizil Petr
Published: August 2019

Post-process thermal treatment of electrospun fibers obtained from poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) water and methanol solutions was examined. PEO fibers from methanol solution showed larger diameters as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Fibers both from water and methanol solutions exhibited a significant dimensional stability and surface cracking during the specific exposure time after thermal treatments at 40, 50, and 60 °C. Changes in crystallinity after the thermal treatment were studied by wide-angle X-ray diffraction. The kinetics of secondary crystallization were positively influenced by the as-processed level of the amorphous phase and temperature of thermal treatment. Samples treated at 60 °C were degraded by thermooxidation within the time.
A Comprehensive Characterization of Pyrolysis Oil from Softwood Barks
Authors: Ben Haoxi , Wu Fengze , Wu Zhihong , Han Guangting , Jiang Wei , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: August 2019

Pyrolysis of raw pine bark, pine, and Douglas-Fir bark was examined. The pyrolysis oil yields of raw pine bark, pine, and Douglas-Fir bark at 500 °C were 29.18%, 26.67%, and 26.65%, respectively. Both energy densification ratios (1.32–1.56) and energy yields (48.40–54.31%) of char are higher than pyrolysis oils (energy densification ratios: 1.13–1.19, energy yields: 30.16–34.42%). The pyrolysis oils have higher heating values (~25 MJ/kg) than bio-oils (~20 MJ/kg) from wood and agricultural residues, and the higher heating values of char (~31 MJ/kg) are comparable to that of many commercial coals. The elemental analysis indicated that the lower O/C value and higher H/C value represent a more valuable source of energy for pyrolysis oils than biomass. The nuclear magnetic resonance results demonstrated that the most abundant hydroxyl groups of pyrolysis oil are aliphatic OH groups, catechol, guaiacol, and p-hydroxy-phenyl OH groups. The aliphatic OH groups are mainly derived from the cleavage of cellulose glycosidic bonds, while the catechol, guaiacol, and p-hydroxy-phenyl OH groups are mostly attributed to the cleavage of the lignin β–O-4 bond. Significant amount of aromatic carbon (~40%) in pyrolysis oils is obtained from tannin and lignin components and the aromatic C–O bonds may be formed by a radical reaction between the aromatic and aliphatic hydroxyl groups. In this study, a comprehensive analytical method was developed to fully understand and evaluate the pyrolysis products produced from softwood barks, which could offer valuable information on the pyrolysis mechanism of biomass and promote better utilization of pyrolysis products.