bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Turbulence Inhibitors on Molten Steel Flow in 66-Ton T-Type Tundish with Large Impact Area
Authors: Yao Cheng , Wang Min , Zheng Ruixuan , Pan Mingxu , Rao Jinyuan , Bao Yanping
Published: August 2020

A multiphase numerical simulation of the steel-slag flow was established by using the volume of fluid (VOF) model to study the effect of different turbulence inhibitors on the improvement of the steel-slag flow in the tundish. The steel-slag interface fluctuation was studied by vorticity magnitude and transient fluctuation change. A prediction model of residence time distribution (RTD) curve was established based on mathematical simulation and the error of prediction model can be controlled below 6% by comparing with the hydraulic results. The results show that jet flow into the tundish generated very different flow patterns. Case 1 produced a double-roll flow pattern and case 2 produced a four-roll flow pattern in the impact area. The ratio of vorticity magnitude above 1.00 s−1 near the ladle shroud was 2.60% in case 1 and the ratio of vorticity magnitude above 1.00 s−1 near the ladle shroud was 13.15% in case 2, which indicates case 2 increased the possibility of slag entrainment via the upward flow mechanism and shear layer instability. Surface velocity fluctuations in case 2 were much more severe near the ladle shroud. The thickness of the slag layer was 60 mm, the interface fluctuation towards surface in case 2 was close to 20 mm. Meanwhile, case 1 involved very small volume-fraction contours near interface. The turbulence inhibitor with internal ripples (case 1) showed a better optimization effect and the results could provide a theoretical basis for the selection of a suitable turbulence inhibitor for the 66-ton T-type tundish.
Surface Morphology and Histopathological Aspects of Metallic Used Cardiovascular CoCr Stents
Authors: Pandelea-Dobrovicescu George-Razvan , Prodana Mariana , Golgovici Florentina , Ionita Daniela , Sajin Maria , Demetrescu Ioana
Published: August 2020

In this study, CoCr cardiovascular metallic stents with the same chemical composition as well as the adjacent tissues were analyzed. Recovered stents and adjacent tissues were characterized by surface morphology techniques like light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The presence of metals in the tissue from around explanted stent was also confirmed by TEM method. The released metal ions were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Histopathological analysis was used to highlight host tissue response to the implanted stents. EDX analysis revealed that 21 stents had the same composition. The quantities of Cr ions detected in the tissues were between 5 and 14 ppb and for Co ions were between 4 and 10 ppb. The tissue sections near the layers that generated large quantities of ions showed restenosis development and the deposits of surface calcifications were highlighted. The heavy metal levels observed in this study due to corrosion are too low to cause a systemic toxic response.
Three-Jet Powder Flow and Laser–Powder Interaction in Laser Melting Deposition: Modelling Versus Experimental Correlations
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad Arif , Popescu Andrei C. , Oane Mihai , Ristoscu Carmen , Chioibasu Diana , Mihai Sabin , Mihailescu Ion N.
Published: August 2020

Powder flow and temperature distribution are recognized as essential factors in the laser melting deposition (LMD) process, which affect not only the layer formation but also its characteristics. In this study, two mathematical models were developed. Initially, the three-jet powder flow in the Gaussian shape was simulated for the LMD process. Next, the Gaussian powder flow was coaxially added along with the moving laser beam to investigate the effect of powder flow on temperature distribution at the substrate. The powder particles’ inflight and within melt-pool heating times were controlled to avoid vapors or plasma formation due to excessive heat. Computations were carried out via MATLAB software. A high-speed imaging camera was used to monitor the powder stream distribution, experimentally, while temperature distribution results were compared with finite element simulations and experimental analyses. A close correlation was observed among analytical computation, numerical simulations, and experimental results. An investigation was conducted to investigate the effect of the focal point position on powder stream distribution. It was found that the focal point position plays a key role in determining the shape of the powder stream, such that an increment in the distance from the focus point will gradually transform the powder stream from the Gaussian to Transition, and from the Transition to Annular streams. By raising the powder flow rate, the attenuation ratio prevails in the LMD process, hence, decreasing the laser energy density arriving at the substrate. The computations indicate that, if the particle’s heating temperature surpasses the boiling point, a strong possibility exists for vapors and plasma formation. Consequently, an excessive amount of laser energy is absorbed by the produced vapors and plasma, thus impeding the deposition process.
The Effect of 45S5 Bioglass and Ag, Cu, or Zn Addition on the Crystal Structure, Properties, and Antibacterial Effect of Bulk Ti23Zr25Nb Biocomposites
Authors: Marczewski M. , Jurczyk M. , Pecyna P. , Ratajczak M. , Gajecka M. , Jurczyk M. U.
Published: August 2020

In the present study, the crystal structure, microstructure, mechanical, corrosion properties, and wettability of bulk Ti23Zr25Nb-x45S5 Bioglass (x = 0, 3, 6, 9 wt.%) and Ti23Zr25Nb—9 wt.% 45S5 Bioglass composites with the addition of 1 wt.% Ag, Cu, or Zn were synthesized and their properties studied. The hardness of these biomaterials is at least two times higher and the elastic modulus lower in comparison to commercial purity (CP) microcrystalline α-Ti. The mechanically alloyed Ti23Zr25Nb—9 wt.% 45S5 Bioglass composite was more corrosion resistant in Ringer’s solution than the bulk Ti23Zr25Nb alloy. Surface wettability measurements revealed the higher surface hydrophilicity of the bulk synthesized composites. The antibacterial activity of Ti23Zr25Nb-based composites containing silver, copper, or zinc against reference strain Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 was studied. In vitro bacterial adhesion indicated a significantly reduced number of S. mutans on the bulk Ti23Zr25Nb-BG-Ag (or Cu, Zn) plate surfaces in comparison to the microcrystalline Ti plate surface. Ultrafine-grained Ti23Zr25Nb-BG-Ag (or Cu, Zn) biomaterials can be considered to be the next generation of dental implants.
Comprehensive Study of the Deformation Behavior during Diffusion Bonding of 1.4301 (AISI 304) as a Function of Material Width and Aspect Ratio
Authors: Gietzelt Thomas , Toth Volker , Kraut Manfred , Gerhards Uta , Dürrschnabel Robin
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the impact of material width as well as aspect ratio on deformation during diffusion bonding of layered samples were investigated. For this, six annular samples with a constant cross-sectional area but an increasing diameter and thus decreasing material width were designed. In a first set of experiments, specimens of a constant height of h = 20 mm were examined. Each sample consisted of 10 sheets, 2 mm in thickness each. Diffusion bonding was performed at T = 1075 °C, t = 4 h and p = 15 MPa. Subsequently, additional samples with a constant aspect ratio of about three but different material width were diffusion bonded. For this, additional layers were added. It was expected that the deformation should be nearly constant for a constant aspect ratio. However, comparing the deformation to a sample possessing an aspect ratio of about three from the first batch, a much higher deformation was obtained now. Bonding a third sample, a deformation in the same range as for the other two samples of the second batch was obtained. It was found that due to the evaporation of metals, the thermocouples were subjected to aging, which was proven indirectly by the evaluation of heating power. Since the diffusion coefficient of the metals follows an exponential law, deformation changes considerably with temperature. This emphasizes that exact temperature measurement is very important, especially for bonding microprocessor devices at constant contact pressure. The experiments showed that the deformation depends strongly on geometry. Bonding parameters cannot be generalized. For layered setups, the contribution that thickness tolerances from manufacturing and leveling of surface roughnesses of sheets add to the overall deformation cannot be reliably separated. After diffusion bonding, thickness tolerances increase with a lateral dimension. Obviously, the stiffness of the pressure dies is crucial.
Numerical Investigation into the Flow Characteristics of Gas Mixtures in Knudsen Pump with Variable Soft Sphere Model
Authors: Du Chunlin , Wang Xiaowei , Han Feng , Ren Xiaoyu , Zhang Zhijun
Published: August 2020

In Knudsen pumps with geometric configuration of rectangle, gas flows are induced by temperature gradients along channel walls. In this paper, the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is used to investigate numerically the flow characteristics of H2–N2 mixtures in the Knudsen pump. The variable soft sphere (VSS) model is applied to depict molecular diffusion in the gas mixtures, and the results obtained are compared with those calculated from a variable hard sphere (VHS) model. It is demonstrated that pressure is crucial to affecting the variation of gas flow pattern, but the gas concentration in H2–N2 mixtures and the collision model do not change the flow pattern significantly. On the other hand, the velocity of H2 is larger than that of N2. The velocities of H2 and N2 increase if the concentration of H2 rises in the gas mixtures. The results of velocity and mass flow rate obtained from VSS and VHS models are different. Finally, a linear relation between the decrease of mass flow rate and the increase of H2 concentration is proposed to predict the mass flow rate in H2–N2 mixtures.
Mine Waste Rock: Insights for Sustainable Hydrogeochemical Management
Authors: Vriens Bas , Plante Benoît , Seigneur Nicolas , Jamieson Heather
Published: August 2020

Mismanagement of mine waste rock can mobilize acidity, metal (loid)s, and other contaminants, and thereby negatively affect downstream environments. Hence, strategic long-term planning is required to prevent and mitigate deleterious environmental impacts. Technical frameworks to support waste-rock management have existed for decades and typically combine static and kinetic testing, field-scale experiments, and sometimes reactive-transport models. Yet, the design and implementation of robust long-term solutions remains challenging to date, due to site-specificity in the generated waste rock and local weathering conditions, physicochemical heterogeneity in large-scale systems, and the intricate coupling between chemical kinetics and mass- and heat-transfer processes. This work reviews recent advances in our understanding of the hydrogeochemical behavior of mine waste rock, including improved laboratory testing procedures, innovative analytical techniques, multi-scale field investigations, and reactive-transport modeling. Remaining knowledge-gaps pertaining to the processes involved in mine waste weathering and their parameterization are identified. Practical and sustainable waste-rock management decisions can to a large extent be informed by evidence-based simplification of complex waste-rock systems and through targeted quantification of a limited number of physicochemical parameters. Future research on the key (bio)geochemical processes and transport dynamics in waste-rock piles is essential to further optimize management and minimize potential negative environmental impacts.
Optimization of Transport Performance and Strength of the Filling Slurry in Tailings Reservoir Waste by Adding Air Entraining Agent
Authors: Qin Yaguang , Hu Jianhua , Yang Dongjie , Kuang Ye , Zhao Fengwen , Zhou Tan
Published: August 2020

At present, many mines adopt the filling method. It is particularly important to solve the problem of the long-distance transportation of slurry during the filling process. Based on the high-density filling material of Sanning mine, the experiments were designed to add sodium abietate (SA), triterpene saponin (SJ) and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (K12) with concentrations of 0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively, which were used as air entraining agents (AEA). The filling body with the curing age of 7 and 28 days was prepared for various tests, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and alternating current (AC) impedance tests. The effects of the air entraining agent and curing time on the physical properties, pore structure and AC impedance properties of the filling were obtained. The results show that: (1) within the frequency range of 10−1–105 Hz, the variation trend of AC impedance of the filling body cannot be changed by adding the air entraining agent, and the filling body with the same ratio had a similar topological structure. (2) The filling body with different AEA and curing times can be represented by the same equivalent circuit model, while the maximum chi-square coefficient was 0.46%. (3) Under the condition of a high frequency of 105 Hz, the porosity and uniaxial compressive strength of the filling body with 7 day curing age were linearly correlated with the AC impedance. However, the porosity and uniaxial compressive strengths of the filling body with 28 days curing time were affected by the type of AEA at a high frequency of 105 Hz.
Papain Covalently Immobilized on Chitosan–Clay Nanocomposite Films: Application in Synthetic and Real White Wine
Authors: Benucci Ilaria , Lombardelli Claudio , Cacciotti Ilaria , Esti Marco
Published: August 2020

Increasing attention has been recently paid to the development of nanocomposite materials for food application as new tool to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers. In this study, novel chitosan–clay nanocomposite films were produced as carriers for the covalent immobilization of papain, by using a fixed amount of chitosan (1% w/v) and a food-grade activated montmorillonite (Optigel, OPT) or a high-purity unmodified montmorillonite (SMP), in four different weight percentages with respect to chitosan (i.e., 20, 30, 50, 70% w/w). Both nanoclays (OPT and SMP) improved the mechanical properties of the obtained nanocomposites, and the OPT films showed the highest Young modulus and mechanical resistance (σmax). The nanocomposites were used as carriers for the covalent immobilization of papain, which was preliminarily characterized in model wine towards a synthetic substrate, showing the highest efficiency in the release of the reaction product when it was bound on OPT-30 and OPT-50 films. Finally, the latter biocatalyst (papain on OPT-50 film) was applied for the protein stabilization of two different unfined white wines, and it efficiently reduced both the haze potential and the protein content.
Ultrabroadband Absorption Enhancement via Hybridization of Localized and Propagating Surface Plasmons
Authors: Sang Tian , Qi Honglong , Wang Xun , Yin Xin , Li Guoqing , Niu Xinshang , Ma Bin , Jiao Hongfei
Published: August 2020

Broadband metamaterial absorbers (MAs) are critical for applications of photonic and optoelectronic devices. Despite long-standing efforts on broadband MAs, it has been challenging to achieve ultrabroadband absorption with high absorptivity and omnidirectional characteristics within a comparatively simple and low-cost architecture. Here we design, fabricate, and characterize a novel compact Cr-based MA to achieve ultrabroadband absorption in the visible to near-infrared wavelength region. The Cr-based MA consists of Cr nanorods and Cr substrate sandwiched by three pairs of SiO2/Cr stacks. Both simulated and experimental results show that an average absorption over 93.7% can be achieved in the range of 400–1000 nm. Specifically, the ultrabroadband features result from the co-excitations of localized surface plasmon (LSP) and propagating surface plasmon (PSP) and their synergistic absorption effects, where absorption in the shorter and longer wavelengths are mainly contributed bythe LSP and PSP modes, respectively. The Cr-based MA is very robust to variations of the geometrical parameters, and angle-and polarization-insensitive absorption can be operated well over a large range of anglesunder both transverse magnetic(TM)- and transverse electric (TE)-polarized light illumination.
Recent Advances in Aflatoxins Detection Based on Nanomaterials
Authors: Yan Chunlei , Wang Qi , Yang Qingli , Wu Wei
Published: August 2020

Aflatoxins are the secondary metabolites of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and are highly toxic and carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic. Ingestion of crops and food contaminated by aflatoxins causes extremely serious harm to human and animal health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a selective, sensitive and simple method for the determination of aflatoxins. Due to their high performance and multipurpose characteristics, nanomaterials have been developed and applied to the monitoring of various targets, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods, which include process complexity, time-consuming and laborious methodologies and the need for expensive instruments. At the same time, nanomaterials provide general promise for the detection of aflatoxins with high sensitivity, selectivity and simplicity. This review provides an overview of recent developments in nanomaterials employed for the detection of aflatoxins. The basic aspects of aflatoxin toxicity and the significance of aflatoxin detection are also reviewed. In addition, the development of different biosensors and nanomaterials for aflatoxin detection is introduced. The current capabilities and limitations and future challenges in aflatoxin detection and analysis are also addressed.
Bioelectrocatalysis of Hemoglobin on Electrodeposited Ag Nanoflowers toward H2O2 Detection
Authors: Yagati Ajay Kumar , Ngoc Le Hien T. , Cho Sungbo
Published: August 2020

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a partially reduced metabolite of oxygen that exerts a diverse array of physiological and pathological activities in living organisms. Therefore, the accurate quantitative determination of H2O2 is crucial in clinical diagnostics, the food industry, and environmental monitoring. Herein we report the electrosynthesis of silver nanoflowers (AgNFs) on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes for direct electron transfer of hemoglobin (Hb) toward the selective quantification of H2O2. After well-ordered and fully-grown AgNFs were created on an ITO substrate by electrodeposition, their morphological and optical properties were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Hb was immobilized on 3-mercaptopropionic acid-coated AgNFs through carbodiimide cross-linking to form an Hb/AgNF/ITO biosensor. Electrochemical measurement and analysis demonstrated that Hb retained its direct electron transfer and electrocatalytic properties and acted as a H2O2 sensor with a detection limit of 0.12 µM and a linear detection range of 0.2 to 3.4 mM in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The sensitivity, detection limit, and detection range of the Hb/AgNF/ITO biosensor toward detection H2O2 in human serum was also found to be 0.730 mA mM−1 cm−2, 90 µM, and 0.2 to 2.6 mM, indicating the clinical application for the H2O2 detection of the Hb/AgNF/ITO biosensor. Moreover, interference experiments revealed that the Hb/AgNF/ITO sensor displayed excellent selectivity for H2O2.
Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Physical Performance in Aerobic–Anaerobic Transition Zones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huerta Ojeda Álvaro , Tapia Cerda Camila , Poblete Salvatierra María Fernanda , Barahona-Fuentes Guillermo , Jorquera Aguilera Carlos
Published: August 2020

Beta-alanine supplementation (BA) has a positive impact on physical performance. However, evidence showing a benefit of this amino acid in aerobic–anaerobic transition zones is scarce and the results controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the effects of BA supplementation on physical performance in aerobic–anaerobic transition zones. At the same time, the effect of different dosages and durations of BA supplementation were identified. The search was designed in accordance with the PRISMA® guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and performed in Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and MEDLINE between 2010 and 2020. The methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The main variables were the Time Trial Test (TTT) and Time to Exhaustion (TTE) tests, the latter separated into the Limited Time Test (LTT) and Limited Distance Test (LDT). The analysis was carried out with a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) through Hedges’ g test (95% CI). Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, revealing a small effect for time in the TTT (SMD, −0.36; 95% CI, −0.87–0.16; I2 = 59%; p = 0.010), a small effect for LTT (SMD, 0.25; 95% CI, −0.01–0.51; I2 = 0%; p = 0.53), and a large effect for LDT (SMD, 4.27; 95% CI, −0.25–8.79; I2 = 94%; p = 0.00001). BA supplementation showed small effects on physical performance in aerobic–anaerobic transition zones. Evidence on acute supplementation is scarce (one study); therefore, exploration of acute supplementation with different dosages and formats on physical performance in aerobic–anaerobic transition zones is needed.
The Effect of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity on the Expression of Nutrient Chemosensors in the Mouse Stomach and the Gastric Ghrelin Cell
Authors: Nunez-Salces Maria , Li Hui , Christie Stewart , Page Amanda J.
Published: August 2020

The stomach is the primary source of the orexigenic and adiposity-promoting hormone, ghrelin. There is emerging evidence on the nutrient-mediated modulation of gastric ghrelin secretion. However, limited information is available on gastric nutrient-sensing mechanisms in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. This study investigated the impact of HFD-induced obesity on the expression of nutrient chemosensors in mouse stomach, particularly ghrelin cells. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a standard laboratory diet (SLD) or HFD for 12 weeks. The expression of ghrelin, enzymes involved in ghrelin production (PC1/3, GOAT) and nutrient chemosensors (CD36, FFAR2&4, GPR93, CaSR, mGluR4 and T1R3) was determined by quantitative RT-PCR in the mouse corpus and antrum. Immunohistochemistry assessed the protein expression of CaSR and ghrelin in the corpus and antrum. Antral mRNA levels of CaSR and PC1/3 were increased in HFD compared to SLD mice, while mRNA levels of all other nutrient chemosensors examined remained unchanged. CaSR immunolabelling was observed in the gastric antrum only. Nearly 80% of antral ghrelin cells expressed CaSR, with a similar cell density and co-expression in SLD and HFD mice. In conclusion, HFD-induced obesity increased CaSR mRNA expression in mouse antrum. However, the high antral co-expression of CaSR and ghrelin was unaltered in HFD compared to SLD mice.
Risk Factors for Muscle Loss in Hemodialysis Patients with High Comorbidity
Authors: Visser Wesley J. , de Mik-van Egmond Anneke M.E. , Timman Reinier , Severs David , Hoorn Ewout J.
Published: August 2020

With expanding kidney transplantation programs, remaining hemodialysis patients are more likely to have a high comorbidity burden and may therefore be more prone to lose muscle mass. Our aim was to analyze risk factors for muscle loss in hemodialysis patients with high comorbidity. Fifty-four chronic hemodialysis patients (Charlson Comorbidity Index 9.0 ± 3.4) were followed for 20 weeks using 4-weekly measurements of lean tissue mass, intracellular water, and body cell mass (proxies for muscle mass), handgrip strength (HGS), and biochemical parameters. Mixed models were used to analyze covariate effects on LTM. LTM (−6.4 kg, interquartile range [IQR] −8.1 to −4.8), HGS (−1.9 kg, IQR −3.1 to −0.7), intracellular water (−2.11 L, IQR −2.9 to −1.4) and body cell mass (−4.30 kg, IQR −5.9 to −2.9) decreased in all patients. Conversely, adipose tissue mass increased (4.5 kg, IQR 2.7 to 6.2), resulting in no significant change in body weight (−0.5 kg, IQR −1.0 to 0.1). Independent risk factors for LTM loss over time were male sex (−0.26 kg/week, 95% CI −0.33 to −0.19), C-reactive protein above median (−0.1 kg/week, 95% CI −0.2 to −0.001), and baseline lean tissue index ≥10th percentile (−1.6 kg/week, 95% CI −2.1 to −1.0). Age, dialysis vintage, serum albumin, comorbidity index, and diabetes did not significantly affect LTM loss over time. In this cohort with high comorbidity, we found universal and prominent muscle loss, which was further accelerated by male sex and inflammation. Stable body weight may mask muscle loss because of concurrent fat gain. Our data emphasize the need to assess body composition in all hemodialysis patients and call for studies to analyze whether intervention with nutrition or exercise may curtail muscle loss in the most vulnerable hemodialysis patients.
Relationships between Total, Free and Bioavailable Vitamin D and Vitamin D Binding Protein in Early Pregnancy with Neonatal Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fernando Melinda , Coster Thisara , Ellery Stacey , Guingand Deborah , Lim Siew , Harrison Cheryce , Teede Helena , Naderpoor Negar , Mousa Aya
Published: August 2020

Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, however, existing results are inconsistent. Current data focus on total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) as the common measure of vitamin D status, while additional measures including vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) and free and bioavailable metabolites have not been explored in relation to neonatal outcomes. We examined whether VDBP and total, free, and bioavailable vitamin D metabolites in early pregnancy are associated with subsequent neonatal outcomes. In this retrospective analysis of 304 women in early pregnancy (<20 weeks gestation), demographic and anthropometric data were collected and total 25(OH)D (chemiluminescent assay), VDBP (polyclonal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) and albumin (automated colorimetry) were measured in bio-banked samples. Free and bioavailable 25(OH)D were calculated using validated formulae. Neonatal outcomes were derived from a medical record database. Higher maternal total and free 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with higher neonatal birthweight (β = 5.05, p = 0.002 and β = 18.06, p = 0.02, respectively), including after adjustment for maternal covariates including age, body mass index (BMI) and ethnicity (all p ≤ 0.04). Higher total 25(OH)D and VDBP concentrations were associated with a lower likelihood of neonatal jaundice (odds ratio [OR] [95%CI] = 0.997 [0.994, 1.000], p = 0.04 and 0.98 [0.96, 0.99], p = 0.03, respectively), but these were attenuated after adjustment for the above maternal covariates (both p = 0.09). Our findings suggest a novel association between free 25(OH)D and neonatal birthweight. Total 25(OH)D concentrations were also associated with birthweight, and both total 25(OH)D and VDBP were associated with jaundice, but the latter were not significant after adjustment. These results suggest a potential link between these metabolites and neonatal outcomes; however, further large-scale prospective studies are warranted.
Intramuscular Mechanisms Mediating Adaptation to Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diets during Exercise Training
Authors: Howard Emily E. , Margolis Lee M.
Published: August 2020

Interest in low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diets has increased over recent decades given the theorized benefit of associated intramuscular adaptations and shifts in fuel utilization on endurance exercise performance. Consuming a LCHF diet during exercise training increases the availability of fat (i.e., intramuscular triglyceride stores; plasma free fatty acids) and decreases muscle glycogen stores. These changes in substrate availability increase reliance on fat oxidation for energy production while simultaneously decreasing reliance on carbohydrate oxidation for fuel during submaximal exercise. LCHF diet-mediated changes in substrate oxidation remain even after endogenous or exogenous carbohydrate availability is increased, suggesting that the adaptive response driving changes in fat and carbohydrate oxidation lies within the muscle and persists even when the macronutrient content of the diet is altered. This narrative review explores the intramuscular adaptations underlying increases in fat oxidation and decreases in carbohydrate oxidation with LCHF feeding. The possible effects of LCHF diets on protein metabolism and post-exercise muscle remodeling are also considered.
A Review of Recent Findings on Meal Sequence: An Attractive Dietary Approach to Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kubota Sodai , Liu Yanyan , Iizuka Katsumi , Kuwata Hitoshi , Seino Yutaka , Yabe Daisuke
Published: August 2020

While adjustment of total energy and nutritional balance is critically important, meal sequence, a relatively simple method of correcting postprandial hyperglycemia, is becoming established as a practical dietary approach for prevention and management of diabetes and obesity. Meal sequence, i.e., consumption of protein and/or fat before carbohydrate, promotes secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) from the gut and ameliorates secretions of insulin and glucagon and delays gastric emptying, thereby improving postprandial glucose excursion. GLP-1 is known to suppress appetite by acting on the hypothalamus via the afferent vagus nerve. Thus, enhancement of GLP-1 secretion by meal sequence is expected to reduce body weight. Importantly, consumption of a diet rich in saturated fatty acids such as meat dishes before carbohydrate increases secretions of not only GLP-1 but also glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which promotes energy storage in adipose tissue and may lead to weight gain in the long term. Dietary fiber intake before carbohydrate intake significantly reduces postprandial glucose elevation and may have a weight loss effect, but this dietary strategy does not enhance the secretion of GLP-1. Thus, it is suggested that their combination may have additive effects on postprandial glucose excursion and body weight. Indeed, results of some clinical research supports the idea that ingesting dietary fiber together with meal sequence of protein and/or fat before carbohydrate benefits metabolic conditions of individuals with diabetes and obesity.
The Protective Effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. Extracts Against Obesity and Inflammation by Regulating Free Fatty Acids Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Zhao Wenyu , Song Fanfen , Hu Diangeng , Chen Haiqin , Zhai Qixiao , Lu Wenwei , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Gu Zhennan , Wang Gang
Published: August 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disorder characterized by the excess accumulation of fat in the hepatocytes. It is commonly associated with severe obesity and inflammation. Free fatty acids (FFAs) are the key to regulate lipid metabolism and immune response in hepatocyte cells. This study examined the effects of AEN (alcohol extract of nutmeg, the seed of Myristica fragrans Houtt.) on the inhibition of lipid synthesis and inflammation in vitro and in vivo and on high-fat diet-induced obesity in NAFLD mice. Our results showed that AEN treatment could downregulate the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes fatty acid synthase (FASN) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and lower the lipid content of cells. AEN also inhibited FFAs-mediated inflammation-related cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) expression in cells. In a mouse model, AEN reduced the bodyweight of obese mice and improved NAFLD without affecting food intake. Further analysis revealed that AEN significantly reduced inflammation level, cholesterol and lipid accumulation, blood glucose, and other liver function indexes in mice fed with a high-fat diet. In conclusion, AEN inhibited the aggravation of obesity and inflammation by downregulating lipid-gene expression in the liver to ameliorate NAFLD.
Continuous Reassortment of Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza Viruses Demonstrating High Risk to Public Health
Authors: Li Huanan , Li Qian , Li Bo , Guo Yang , Xing Jinchao , Xu Qiang , Liu Lele , Zhang Jiahao , Qi Wenbao , Jia Weixin , Liao Ming
Published: August 2020

Since it firstly emerged in China in 2013, clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) has rapidly replaced predominant H5N1 to become the dominant H5 subtype in China, especially in ducks. Not only endemic in China, it also crossed the geographical barrier and emerged in South Korea, Japan, and Europe. Here, we analyzed the genetic properties of the clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 HPAIVs with full genome sequences available online together with our own isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 HPAIVs continuously reassorted with local H5, H6, and H7N9/H9N2. Species analysis reveals that aquatic poultry and migratory birds became the dominant hosts of H5N6. Adaption to aquatic poultry might help clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 better adapt to migratory birds, thus enabling it to become endemic in China. Besides, migratory birds might help clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 transmit all over the world. Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 HPAIVs also showed a preference for α2,6-SA receptors when compared to other avian origin influenza viruses. Experiments in vitro and in vivo revealed that clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 HPAIVs exhibited high replication efficiency in both avian and mammal cells, and it also showed high pathogenicity in both mice and chickens, demonstrating high risk to public health. Considering all the factors together, adaption to aquatic poultry and migratory birds helps clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 overcome the geographical isolation, and it has potential to be the next influenza pandemic in the world, making it worthy of our attention.
Molecular Epidemiology of Rotavirus A Strains Pre- and Post-Vaccine (Rotarix®) Introduction in Mozambique, 2012–2019: Emergence of Genotypes G3P[4] and G3P[8]
Authors: João Eva D. , Munlela Benilde , Chissaque Assucênio , Chilaúle Jorfélia , Langa Jerónimo , Augusto Orvalho , Boene Simone S. , Anapakala Elda , Sambo Júlia , Guimarães Esperança , Bero Diocreciano , Cassocera Marta , Cossa-Moiane Idalécia , Mwenda Jason M. , Maurício Isabel , O’Neill Hester G. , de Deus Nilsa
Published: August 2020

Group A rotavirus (RVA) remains the most important etiological agent associated with severe acute diarrhea in children. Rotarix® monovalent vaccine was introduced into Mozambique’s Expanded Program on Immunization in September 2015. In the present study, we report the diversity and prevalence of rotavirus genotypes, pre- (2012–2015) and post-vaccine (2016–2019) introduction in Mozambique, among diarrheic children less than five years of age. Genotyping data were analyzed for five sentinel sites for the periods indicated. The primary sentinel site, Mavalane General Hospital (HGM), was analyzed for the period 2012–2019, and for all five sites (country-wide analyses), 2015–2019. During the pre-vaccine period, G9P[8] was the most predominant genotype for both HGM (28.5%) and the country-wide analysis (46.0%). However, in the post-vaccine period, G9P[8] was significantly reduced. Instead, G3P[8] was the most common genotype at HGM, while G1P[8] predominated country-wide. Genotypes G9P[4] and G9P[6] were detected for the first time, and the emergence of G3P[8] and G3P[4] genotypes were observed during the post-vaccine period. The distribution and prevalence of rotavirus genotypes were distinct in pre- and post-vaccination periods, while uncommon genotypes were also detected in the post-vaccine period. These observations support the need for continued country-wide surveillance to monitor changes in strain diversity, due to possible vaccine pressure, and consequently, the effect on vaccine effectiveness.
In Vitro Modeling of Bradykinin-Mediated Angioedema States
Authors: Marceau François , Bachelard Hélène , Charest-Morin Xavier , Hébert Jacques , Rivard Georges E.
Published: August 2020

Kinins (peptides related to bradykinin, BK) are formed from circulating substrates, the kininogens, by the action of two proteases, the kallikreins. The only clinical application of a BK receptor ligand, the B2 receptor antagonist icatibant, is the treatment of the rare hereditary angioedema (HAE) caused by the deficiency of C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). Less common forms of HAE (genetic variants of factor XII, plasminogen, kininogen) are presumably mediated by increased BK formation. Acquired forms of BK-mediated angioedema, such as that associated with angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, are also known. Antibody-based analytical techniques are briefly reviewed, and support that kinins are extremely short-lived, prominently cleared by ACE. Despite evidence of continuous activation of the kallikrein–kinin system in HAE, patients are not symptomatic most of the time and their blood or plasma obtained during remission does not generate excessive immunoreactive BK (iBK), suggesting effective homeostatic mechanisms. HAE-C1-INH and HAE-FXII plasmas are both hyperresponsive to fibrinolysis activation. On another hand, we suggested a role for the alternate tissue kallikrein–kinin system in patients with a plasminogen mutation. The role of the BK B1 receptor is still uncertain in angioedema states. iBK profiles under in vitro stimulation provide fresh insight into the physiopathology of angioedema.
TCDNet: Trilateral Change Detection Network for Google Earth Image
Authors: Qian Junhao , Xia Min , Zhang Yonghong , Liu Jia , Xu Yiqing
Published: August 2020

Change detection is a very important technique for remote sensing data analysis. Its mainstream solutions are either supervised or unsupervised. In supervised methods, most of the existing change detection methods using deep learning are related to semantic segmentation. However, these methods only use deep learning models to process the global information of an image but do not carry out specific trainings on changed and unchanged areas. As a result, many details of local changes could not be detected. In this work, a trilateral change detection network is proposed. The proposed network has three branches (a main module and two auxiliary modules, all of them are composed of convolutional neural networks (CNNs)), which focus on the overall information of bitemporal Google Earth image pairs, the changed areas and the unchanged areas, respectively. The proposed method is end-to-end trainable, and each component in the network does not need to be trained separately.
Combining Interior Orientation Variables to Predict the Accuracy of Rpas–Sfm 3D Models
Authors: Capolupo Alessandra , Saponaro Mirko , Borgogno Mondino Enrico , Tarantino Eufemia
Published: August 2020

Remotely piloted aerial systems (RPAS) have been recognized as an effective low-cost tool to acquire photogrammetric data of low accessible areas reducing collection and processing time. Data processing techniques like structure from motion (SfM) and multiview stereo (MVS) techniques, can nowadays provide detailed 3D models with an accuracy comparable to the one generated by other conventional approaches. Accuracy of RPAS-based measures is strongly dependent on the type of adopted sensors. Nevertheless, up to now, no investigation was done about relationships between camera calibration parameters and final accuracy of measures. In this work, authors tried to fill this gap by exploring those dependencies with the aim of proposing a prediction function able to quantify the potential final error in respect of camera parameters. Predictive functions were estimated by combining multivariate and linear statistical techniques. Four photogrammetric RPAS acquisitions were considered, supported by ground surveys, to calibrate the predictive model while a further acquisition was used to test and validate it. Results are preliminary, but promising. The calibrated predictive functions relating camera internal orientation (I.O.) parameters with final accuracy of measures (root mean squared error) showed high reliability and accuracy.
Spectral Reflectance in Silver Birch Genotypes from Three Provenances in Finland
Authors: Deepak Maya , Keski-Saari Sarita , Fauch Laure , Granlund Lars , Oksanen Elina , Keinänen Markku
Published: August 2020

The goal of this study was to investigate the variation in the leaf spectral reflectance and its association with other leaf traits from 12 genotypes among three provenances of origin (populations) in a common garden for Finnish silver birch trees in 2015 and 2016. The spectral reflectance was measured in the laboratory from the detached leaves in the wavelength range of visible and near-infrared (VNIR, 400–1000 nm) and shortwave infrared (SWIR, 1000–2500 nm). The variation among the provenance was initially visualized with principal component analysis (PCA) and a clear separation among the provenances was detected with the discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) depicting a less strong variation among the genotypes within the provenances. Wavelengths contributing to the separation of the genotypes and provenances were identified from the contribution plot of DAPC and the red edge was strongly related to the differences. Chlorophyll content showed clear provenance variation and was associated with the separation among the genotypes and provenances in the DAPC space. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI705,750) and chlorophyll reflectance index (CRI) showed clear significance among the provenances, whereas NDVI670,780 showed no variation. The variation in the chlorophyll content and the CRI and red edge-based NDVI indices indicated seasonal variation as the chlorophyll content starts increasing in early June. The correlation of foliar chlorophyll content and the chlorophyll-related spectral indices for the discrimination of provenances and genotypes are reported for the first time in a naturally occurring tree species consecutively for two years.
Detection of Citrus Huanglongbing Based on Multi-Input Neural Network Model of UAV Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Deng Xiaoling , Zhu Zihao , Yang Jiacheng , Zheng Zheng , Huang Zixiao , Yin Xianbo , Wei Shujin , Lan Yubin
Published: August 2020

Citrus is an important cash crop in the world, and huanglongbing (HLB) is a destructive disease in the citrus industry. To efficiently detect the degree of HLB stress on large-scale orchard citrus trees, an UAV (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle) hyperspectral remote sensing tool is used for HLB rapid detection. A Cubert S185 (Airborne Hyperspectral camera) was mounted on the UAV of DJI Matrice 600 Pro to capture the hyperspectral remote sensing images; and a ASD Handheld2 (spectrometer) was used to verify the effectiveness of the remote sensing data. Correlation-proven UAV hyperspectral remote sensing data were used, and canopy spectral samples based on single pixels were extracted for processing and analysis. The feature bands extracted by the genetic algorithm (GA) of the improved selection operator were 468 nm, 504 nm, 512 nm, 516 nm, 528 nm, 536 nm, 632 nm, 680 nm, 688 nm, and 852 nm for the HLB detection. The proposed HLB detection methods (based on the multi-feature fusion of vegetation index) and canopy spectral feature parameters constructed (based on the feature band in stacked autoencoder (SAE) neural network) have a classification accuracy of 99.33% and a loss of 0.0783 for the training set, and a classification accuracy of 99.72% and a loss of 0.0585 for the validation set. This performance is higher than that based on the full-band AutoEncoder neural network. The field-testing results show that the model could effectively detect the HLB plants and output the distribution of the disease in the canopy, thus judging the plant disease level in a large area efficiently.
Automatic gbXML Modeling from LiDAR Data for Energy Studies
Authors: Otero Roi , Frías Ernesto , Lagüela Susana , Arias Pedro
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes an efficient and simplified procedure for the 3D modelling of buildings, based on the semi-automatic processing of point clouds acquired with mobile LiDAR scanners. The procedure is designed with the aim at generating BIM, in gbXML format, from the point clouds. In this way, the main application of the procedure is the performance of energy analysis, towards the increase of the energy efficiency in the construction sector, and its consequent contribution to the mitigation of the climate change. Thus, the main contribution of the methodology proposed is its easiness of use and its level of automation, which allow its utilization by users who are experts in the use of energy in buildings but non-experts on 3D modelling. The software provides a solution for the 3D modelling of complex point clouds of various millions of points in times of execution less than 10 minutes. The system is evaluated through its application to three different real-world scenarios and compared with manual modelling. Moreover, the results are used for an example of an energy application, proving their performance against manually elaborated models.
An Improved Frequency-Domain Image Formation Algorithm for Mini-UAV-Based Forward-Looking Spotlight BiSAR Systems
Authors: Zeng Tao , Wang Zhanze , Liu Feifeng , Wang Chenghao
Published: August 2020

Mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based bistatic forward-looking synthetic aperture radar (SAR) (mini-UAV-based BFSAR) is much more attractive than the monostatic one because of the flexibility of the system geometry selection as well as its simplicity of system operation, especially with the mini-UAV platform. However, the trajectory of the mini-UAV needs to be accurately modeled since it is very sensitive to the external environment, and the forward-looking configuration results in more severe spatial variance in image formation processing. In the paper, an improved frequency-domain imaging algorithm based on a very accurate slant range model is proposed for mini-UAV-based BFSAR with spotlight illumination. First, a more accurate slant range expression considering the motion characteristics of the UAV and bistatic spotlight configuration is re-derived. Second, a new range nonlinear chirp scaling (NLCS) operator was derived based on the accurate bistatic slant range model. Third, an improved azimuth NLCS operator in the Doppler frequency domain was established for the spotlight illumination of the transmitter and receiver in mini-UAV based BFSAR systems. Finally, the proposed algorithm is validated by both simulations and real datasets.
Multi-Sensor Data Fusion for Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Machining Tools by IABC-BPNN in Dry Milling Operations
Authors: Liu Min , Yao Xifan , Zhang Jianming , Chen Wocheng , Jing Xuan , Wang Kesai
Published: August 2020

Inefficient remaining useful life (RUL) estimation may cause unpredictable failures and unscheduled maintenance of machining tools. Multi-sensor data fusion will improve the RUL prediction reliability by fusing more sensor information related to the machining process of tools. In this paper, a multi-sensor data fusion system for online RUL prediction of machining tools is proposed. The system integrates multi-sensor signal collection, signal preprocess by a complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition, feature extraction in time domain, frequency domain and time-frequency domain by such methods as statistical analysis, power spectrum density analysis and Hilbert-Huang transform, feature selection by a Light Gradient Boosting Machine method, feature fusion by a tool wear prediction model based on back propagation neural network optimized by improved artificial bee colony (IABC-BPNN) algorithm, and the online RUL prediction model by a polynomial curve fitting method. An example is used to verify whether if the prediction performance of the proposed system is stable and reliable, and the results show that it is superior to its rivals.