bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model of Random Field with Piece-Constant Values and Sampling-Restoration Algorithm of Its Realizations
Authors: Goritskiy Yuri , Kazakov Vladimir , Shevchenko Olga , Mendoza Francisco
Published: August 2019

We propose a description of the model of a random piecewise constant field formed by the sum of realizations of two Markov processes with an arbitrary number of states and defined along mutually perpendicular axes. The number of field quantization levels can be arbitrary. Realizations of a random field model of the desired shape are created by appropriate selection of parameters for formative realization of Markov processes. For the proposed field model, we investigated the sampling and restoration algorithm of any selected realizations. As a result, we determined the optimal sampling and recovery algorithms. The resulting sampling is fundamentally non-periodic. Recovery errors are calculated. Two examples are considered.
Ad-Hoc Shallow Neural Network to Learn Hyper Filtered PhotoPlethysmoGraphic (PPG) Signal for Efficient Car-Driver Drowsiness Monitoring
Authors: Rundo Francesco , Spampinato Concetto , Conoci Sabrina
Published: August 2019

In next-generation cars, safety equipment related to assisted driving systems commonly known as ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) are of particular interest for the major car-makers. When we talk about the “ADAS system”, we mean the devices and sensors having the precise objective of improving and making car driving safer, and among which it is worth mentioning rain sensors, the twilight sensor, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, automatic signal recognition, and so on. All these devices and sensors are installed on the new homologated cars to minimize the risk of an accident and make life on board of the car easier. Some sensors evaluate the movement and the opening of the eyes, the position of the head and its angle, or some physiological signals of the driver obtainable from the palm of the hands placed in the steering. In the present contribution, the authors will present an innovative recognition and monitoring system of the driver’s attention level through the study of the photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal detectable from the palm of the driver’s hands through special devices housed in the steering of the car. Through a particular and innovative post-processing algorithm of the PPG signal through a hyper-filtering framework, then processed by a machine learning framework, the entire pipeline proposed will be able to recognize and monitor the attention level of the driver with high accuracy and acceptable timing.
Multi-Scale Inception Based Super-Resolution Using Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Muhammad Wazir , Aramvith Supavadee
Published: August 2019

Single image super-resolution (SISR) aims to reconstruct a high-resolution (HR) image from a low-resolution (LR) image. In order to address the SISR problem, recently, deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have achieved remarkable progress in terms of accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, an innovative technique, namely a multi-scale inception-based super-resolution (SR) using deep learning approach, or MSISRD, was proposed for fast and accurate reconstruction of SISR. The proposed network employs the deconvolution layer to upsample the LR image to the desired HR image. The proposed method is in contrast to existing approaches that use the interpolation techniques to upscale the LR image. Primarily, interpolation techniques are not designed for this purpose, which results in the creation of undesired noise in the model. Moreover, the existing methods mainly focus on the shallow network or stacking multiple layers in the model with the aim of creating a deeper network architecture. The technique based on the aforementioned design creates the vanishing gradients problem during the training and increases the computational cost of the model. Our proposed method does not use any hand-designed pre-processing steps, such as the bicubic interpolation technique. Furthermore, an asymmetric convolution block is employed to reduce the number of parameters, in addition to the inception block adopted from GoogLeNet, to reconstruct the multiscale information. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits an enhanced performance compared to twelve state-of-the-art methods in terms of the average peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM) with a reduced number of parameters for the scale factor of 2 × , 4 × , and 8 × .
A Deep Learning Approach to EMG-Based Classification of Gait Phases during Level Ground Walking
Authors: Morbidoni Christian , Cucchiarelli Alessandro , Fioretti Sandro , Di Nardo Francesco
Published: August 2019

Correctly identifying gait phases is a prerequisite to achieve a spatial/temporal characterization of muscular recruitment during walking. Recent approaches have addressed this issue by applying machine learning techniques to treadmill-walking data. We propose a deep learning approach for surface electromyographic (sEMG)-based classification of stance/swing phases and prediction of the foot–floor-contact signal in more natural walking conditions (similar to everyday walking ones), overcoming constraints of a controlled environment, such as treadmill walking. To this aim, sEMG signals were acquired from eight lower-limb muscles in about 10.000 strides from 23 healthy adults during level ground walking, following an eight-shaped path including natural deceleration, reversing, curve, and acceleration. By means of an extensive evaluation, we show that using a multi layer perceptron to learn hidden features provides state of the art performances while avoiding features engineering. Results, indeed, showed an average classification accuracy of 94.9 for learned subjects and 93.4 for unlearned ones, while mean absolute difference ( ± S D ) between phase transitions timing predictions and footswitch data was 21.6 ms and 38.1 ms for heel-strike and toe off, respectively. The suitable performance achieved by the proposed method suggests that it could be successfully used to automatically classify gait phases and predict foot–floor-contact signal from sEMG signals during level ground walking.
Dispensing Technology of 3D Printing Optical Lens with Its Applications
Authors: Yu Fang-Ming , Jwo Ko-Wen , Chang Rong-Seng , Tsai Chiung-Tang
Published: August 2019

Current 3D printed lens technology faces reduced efficiency due to stepped and stacked lens surfaces. This research employs a faster jet dispensing method which reduces these issues. It uses UV-curable material and merges droplets before they are cured to obtain very smooth lens surfaces without any post-processing and without manufacturing a mold for lens structures. This technology can be applied to lens manufacturing in a variety of products, especially in the form of arrays, saving development time and reducing cost. Two experiments of LED (Light-emitting diode) lens and solar cell lens array mask implementations are presented to demonstrate the power of the method. Furthermore, this study analyzes the effect of different contact angles created by jet dispensing technology, including a detailed exploration of fluid viscosity and tooling heating parameters. Our results show that the LED lens can be manufactured to increase the luminous flux of large angles. Furthermore, the lens array mask for solar cells can be manufactured to reduce sunlight reflection and increase secondary refraction, which enables solar cells to achieve higher photoelectric conversion efficiency and to increase their power generation up to 4.82%.
Assessing and Mapping Forest Landscape Quality in China
Authors: Wu Jiangzhou , Zhong Yongde , Deng Jinyang
Published: August 2019

Forest landscape plays a critical role in the resource management and recreational planning of forest destinations. An assessment of forest landscape quality (FLQ) could reflect the distribution of landscape resources, hence identifying the hotpots and areas with high visual quality and protection values. The objective of this study is to propose, for the first time, a methodology for assessing FLQ at the national level. Based on China’s forestry inventory database, the paper identified landform patterns and vegetative patterns as determinants (including 12 indicators) to establish an evaluation index system, and further implemented and mapped FLQ using the ArcGIS Engine platform. Results show high mountain ranges and tropical areas in China often have a high-quality forest landscape, while low FLQ scores are found in low mountains and foothills. The distribution of the four FLQ levels indicates most forest areas are featured with mediocre- or low- quality landscape values, and the differences of FLQ among different forest types are obvious. Furthermore, there is a relatively low correlation between the total forest area and the area of high-quality forest landscape. Overall, this study could contribute to enriching the existing assessment system for FLQ and to guiding the planning, policy development, and decision-making for China’s forestry administration.
Identification of Key Genes and Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer Gene Expression Profile by Integrative Analysis
Authors: Lu Wenzong , Li Ning , Liao Fuyuan
Published: August 2019

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the malignant tumors that threaten human health. Methods: The gene expression profiles of GSE15471, GSE19650, GSE32676 and GSE71989 were downloaded from the gene expression omnibus database including pancreatic cancer and normal samples. The differentially expressed genes between the two types of samples were identified with the Limma package using R language. The gene ontology functional and pathway enrichment analyses of differentially-expressed genes were performed by the DAVID software followed by the construction of a protein–protein interaction network. Hub gene identification was performed by the plug-in cytoHubba in cytoscape software, and the reliability and survival analysis of hub genes was carried out in The Cancer Genome Atlas gene expression data. Results: The 138 differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in biological processes including cell migration, cell adhesion and several pathways, mainly associated with extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathway in pancreatic cancer. The top hub genes, namely thrombospondin 1, DNA topoisomerase II alpha, syndecan 1, maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase Met were identified from the protein–protein interaction network. The expression levels of hub genes were consistent with data obtained in The Cancer Genome Atlas. DNA topoisomerase II alpha, syndecan 1, maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase Met were significantly linked with poor survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: These hub genes may be used as potential targets for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Porcine Granulosa Cells Overexpressing Retinol Binding Protein 4
Authors: Zhao Yun , Li Chunjin , Zhou Xu
Published: August 2019

Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), mainly secreted by the liver and adipocytes, is a transporter of vitamin A. RBP4 has been shown to be involved in several pathophysiological processes, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk. Reports have indicated the high expression levels of RBP4 in cystic follicles. However, the role of RBP4 in mammalian follicular granulosa cells (GCs) remains largely unknown. To illustrate the molecular pathways associated with the effects of RBP4 on GCs, we used high-throughput sequencing to detect differential gene expression in GCs overexpressing RBP4. A total of 113 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in RBP4-overexpressing GCs, and they included 71 upregulated and 42 downregulated genes. The differential expressions of the top 10 DEGs were further confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Pathway analysis indicated that the DEGs are mostly involved in oxidative phosphorylation, Parkinson’s disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Huntington’s disease, cardiac muscle contraction, Alzheimer’s disease, fatty acid biosynthesis, AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, and insulin signaling pathway. Genes in these pathways should be useful for future studies on GCs. Altogether, the results of our study establish a framework for understanding the potential functions of RBP4 in porcine GCs.
Planning Sustainable Economic Development in the Russian Arctic
Authors: Evseev Alexander , Krasovskaya Tatiana , Tikunov Vladimir , Tikunova Irina
Published: August 2019

Recent federal documents devoted to the Arctic zone economic development highlighted eight basic areas—future innovative centers of regional development. Totally 150 investment projects are planned by 2030, where 48% are designated for mineral resources extraction, 16%—for transport development, 7%—for geological survey, 2%—for environment safety protection etc. At the same time, these ambitious plans should meet green economy goals. This means that territorial planning will have to consider at least three spatially differentiated issues: Socio-economic, ecological and environmental (nature hazards, climatic changes etc.). Thus, the initial stage of territorial planning for economic development needs evaluation of different spatial combinations of these issues. This research presents an algorithm for evaluation of joint impact of basic regional components, characterizing “nature-population-economy” interrelations in order to reveal their spatial differences and demonstrate options and risks for future sustainable development of the Russian Arctic. Basic research methods included system analysis with GIS tools. Accumulated data were arranged in three blocks which included principle regional factors which control sustainable development. In order to find different patterns of sustainability provided by these factors pair assessments of ecological/economic, environmental/economic and ecological/environmental data was done. Independent variable-environmental factors offered different spatial natural patterns either promoting or hampering economic development. It was impossible to assess jointly all three blocks data because the discussed framework of regional sustainability factors attributed to spatial regional system, which demonstrated its panarchy character. Ranking results were visualized in a map where the selected pair groups were shown for each basic territory of advanced development. Visualization of proportional correlation of social, economic and ecological factors was achieved using color triangle method (RGB).
Assessing the Intensity of the Population Affected by a Complex Natural Disaster Using Social Media Data
Authors: Cheng Changxiu , Zhang Ting , Su Kai , Gao Peichao , Shen Shi
Published: August 2019

Complex natural disasters often cause people to suffer hardships, and they can cause a large number of casualties. A population that has been affected by a natural disaster is at high risk and desperately in need of help. Even with the timely assessment and knowledge of the degree that natural disasters affect populations, challenges arise during emergency response in the aftermath of a natural disaster. This paper proposes an approach to assessing the near-real-time intensity of the affected population using social media data. Because of its fatal impact on the Philippines, Typhoon Haiyan was selected as a case study. The results show that the normalized affected population index (NAPI) has a significant ability to indicate the affected population intensity. With the geographic information of disasters, more accurate and relevant disaster relief information can be extracted from social media data. The method proposed in this paper will benefit disaster relief operations and decision-making, which can be executed in a timely manner.
High-Resolution Profiling of Gut Bacterial Communities in an Invasive Beetle using PacBio SMRT Sequencing System
Authors: Xu Letian , Sun Liuwei , Zhang Shihan , Wang Shanshan , Lu Min
Published: August 2019

Dendroctonus valens, an invasive bark beetle, has caused severe damage to Chinese forests. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of the gut microbiota and its fundamental role in host fitness. Culture-dependent and culture-independent methods have been applied in analyzing beetles’ gut microbiota. The former method cannot present a whole picture of the community, and the latter mostly generates short read lengths that cannot be assigned to species. Here, the PacBio sequencing system was utilized to capture full-length 16S rRNA sequences in D. valens gut throughout its ontogeny. A total of eight phyla, 55 families, 102 genera, and 253 species were identified. Bacterial communities in colonized beetles have the greatest richness but the lowest evenness in all life stages, which is different from those in young larvae. Pseudomonas sp., Serratia liquefaciens possess high abundance throughout its ontogeny and may serve as members of the core bacteriome. A phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis predicted that gut microbiota in larvae are rich in genes involved in carbohydrate, energy metabolism. Gut microbiota in both larvae and colonized beetles are rich in xenobiotics and terpenoids biodegradation, which are decreased in dispersal beetles. Considering that the results are based mainly on the analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing and PICRUSt prediction, further confirmation is needed to improve the knowledge of the gut microbiota in D. valens and help to resolve taxonomic uncertainty at the species level.
Fabricating Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures on Medical Grade Cobalt–Chrome–Molybdenum: Tribological, Wetting and Leaching Properties
Authors: van der Poel Sanne , Mezera Marek , Römer Gert-willem , de Vries Erik , Matthews Dave
Published: August 2019

Hip-implants structured with anti-bacterial textures should show a low-friction coefficient and should not leach hazardous substances into the human body. The surface of a typical material used for hip-implants, namely Cobalt–Chrome–Molybdenum (CoCrMo) was textured with different types of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS)—i.e., low spatial frequency LIPSS (LSFL), hierarchical structures consisting of grooves superimposed with high spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL) and Triangular shaped Nanopillars (TNP)—using a picosecond pulsed laser source. The effect of LIPSS on the wettability, friction, as well as wear of the structures, when slid against a polyethylene (PE) counter surface and biocompatibility was analyzed. Surfaces covered with LSFL show superhydrophobicity and grooves with superimposed HSFL, as well as TNP, show hydrophobic behavior. The coefficient of friction (CoF) of LIPSS against a polyethylene (PE) counter surface was found to be higher (ranging from 0.40 to 0.66) than the CoF of (polished) CoCrMo, which was found to equal 0.22. It was found that the samples release cobalt within biocompatible limits. Compared to polished reference surfaces, LIPSS cause higher friction of CoCrMo against PE contact. However, the wear of the PE counter surface only increased significantly for the LSFL textures. For these reasons, it is concluded that LIPSS are not suitable for a heavily loaded metal-on-plastic bearing contact.
Effectiveness of Surface Treatment with Amine Plasma for Improving the Biocompatibility of Maxillofacial Plates
Authors: Jeong Yeon-Woo , Jung Seunggon , Han Jeong Joon , Park Hong-Ju , Kim Rok Young , Kim Byung-Hoon , Kook Min-Suk
Published: August 2019

To date, no products have been presented for the surface treatment of metal plates used for repairing maxillofacial defects caused by trauma. Plasma surface treatment is a useful technique for chemically modifying the surfaces of biomaterials. Amine plasma-polymerization is an efficient way to prepare bioactive thin film polymers terminated with nitrogen-containing functional groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement in biocompatibility of titanium (Ti) plates treated with amine plasma-polymerization, and analyze their surfaces characteristics. To compare biocompatibility levels, in vitro test and animal study were performed using an amine plasma-polymerized Ti plate and an untreated Ti plate. After amine plasma-polymerization, the hydrophilicity of the Ti surface was remarkably improved. Biocompatibility was also improved for the Ti plates treated with amine plasma. The clinical application of this technique will not only shorten the time required for osseointegration, but will also improve the regeneration of bone.
Indium Incorporation into InGaN Quantum Wells Grown on GaN Narrow Stripes
Authors: Sarzyński Marcin , Grzanka Ewa , Grzanka Szymon , Targowski Grzegorz , Czernecki Robert , Reszka Anna , Holy Vaclav , Nitta Shugo , Liu Zhibin , Amano Hiroshi , Leszczyński Mike
Published: August 2019

InGaN quantum wells were grown using metalorganic chemical vapor phase epitaxy (vertical and horizontal types of reactors) on stripes made on GaN substrate. The stripe width was 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µm and their height was 4 and 1 µm. InGaN wells grown on stripes made in the direction perpendicular to the off-cut had a rough morphology and, therefore, this azimuth of stripes was not further explored. InGaN wells grown on the stripes made in the direction parallel to the GaN substrate off-cut had a step-flow-like morphology. For these samples (grown at low temperatures), we found out that the InGaN growth rate was higher for the narrower stripes. The higher growth rate induces a higher indium incorporation and a longer wavelength emission in photoluminescence measurements. This phenomenon is very clear for the 4 µm high stripes and less pronounced for the shallower 1 µm high stripes. The dependence of the emission wavelength on the stripe width paves a way to multicolor emitters.
A Novel Approach to Generalized Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Sets and Its Application in Decision Support System
Authors: Khan Muhammad Jabir , Kumam Poom , Liu Peide , Kumam Wiyada , Ashraf Shahzaib
Published: August 2019

The basic idea underneath the generalized intuitionistic fuzzy soft set is very constructive in decision making, since it considers how to exploit an extra intuitionistic fuzzy input from the director to make up for any distortion in the information provided by the evaluation experts, which is redefined and clarified by F. Feng. In this paper, we introduced a method to solve decision making problems using an adjustable weighted soft discernibility matrix in a generalized intuitionistic fuzzy soft set. We define the threshold functions like mid-threshold, top-bottom-threshold, bottom-bottom-threshold, top-top-threshold, med-threshold function and their level soft sets of the generalized intuitionistic fuzzy soft set. After, we proposed two algorithms based on threshold functions, a weighted soft discernibility matrix and a generalized intuitionistic fuzzy soft set and also to show the supremacy of the given methods we illustrate a descriptive example using a weighted soft discernibility matrix in the generalized intuitionistic fuzzy soft set. Results indicate that the proposed method is more effective and generalized over all existing methods of the fuzzy soft set.
Synthesis of Hydroxy-Sodalite/Cancrinite Zeolites from Calcite-Bearing Kaolin for the Removal of Heavy Metal Ions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Esaifan Muayad , Warr Laurence N. , Grathoff Georg , Meyer Tammo , Schafmeister Maria-Theresia , Kruth Angela , Testrich Holger
Published: August 2019

A hydroxy-sodalite/cancrinite zeolite composite was synthesized from low-grade calcite-bearing kaolin by hydrothermal alkali-activation method at 160 °C for 6 h. The effect of calcite addition on the formation of the hydroxy-sodalite/cancrinite composite was investigated using artificial mixtures. The chemical composition and crystal morphology of the synthesized zeolite composite were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption/desorption analyses. The average specific surface area is around 17–20 m2·g−1, whereas the average pore size lies in the mesoporous range (19–21 nm). The synthesized zeolite composite was used as an adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals in aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were employed to study the influence of adsorbent dosage on heavy metal removal efficiency. Results demonstrate the effective removal of significant quantities of Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn from aqueous media. A comparative study of synthesized hydroxy-sodalite and hydroxy-sodalite/cancrinite composites revealed the latter was 16–24% more efficient at removing heavy metals from water. The order of metal uptake efficiency for these zeolites was determined to be Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni. These results indicate that zeolite composites synthesized from natural calcite-bearing kaolin materials could represent effective and low-cost adsorbents for heavy metal removal using water treatment devices in regions of water shortage.
How Far Can One Push the Noble Gases Towards Bonding?: A Personal Account
Authors: Saha Ranajit , Jana Gourhari , Pan Sudip , Merino Gabriel , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: August 2019

Noble gases (Ngs) are the least reactive elements in the periodic table towards chemical bond formation when compared with other elements because of their completely filled valence electronic configuration. Very often, extreme conditions like low temperatures, high pressures and very reactive reagents are required for them to form meaningful chemical bonds with other elements. In this personal account, we summarize our works to date on Ng complexes where we attempted to theoretically predict viable Ng complexes having strong bonding to synthesize them under close to ambient conditions. Our works cover three different types of Ng complexes, viz., non-insertion of NgXY type, insertion of XNgY type and Ng encapsulated cage complexes where X and Y can represent any atom or group of atoms. While the first category of Ng complexes can be thermochemically stable at a certain temperature depending on the strength of the Ng-X bond, the latter two categories are kinetically stable, and therefore, their viability and the corresponding conditions depend on the size of the activation barrier associated with the release of Ng atom(s). Our major focus was devoted to understand the bonding situation in these complexes by employing the available state-of-the-art theoretic tools like natural bond orbital, electron density, and energy decomposition analyses in combination with the natural orbital for chemical valence theory. Intriguingly, these three types of complexes represent three different types of bonding scenarios. In NgXY, the strength of the donor-acceptor Ng→XY interaction depends on the polarizing power of binding the X center to draw the rather rigid electron density of Ng towards itself, and sometimes involvement of such orbitals becomes large enough, particularly for heavier Ng elements, to consider them as covalent bonds. On the other hand, in most of the XNgY cases, Ng forms an electron-shared covalent bond with X while interacting electrostatically with Y representing itself as [XNg]+Y−. Nevertheless, in some of the rare cases like NCNgNSi, both the C-Ng and Ng-N bonds can be represented as electron-shared covalent bonds. On the other hand, a cage host is an excellent moiety to examine the limits that can be pushed to attain bonding between two Ng atoms (even for He) at high pressure. The confinement effect by a small cage-like B12N12 can even induce some covalent interaction within two He atoms in the He2@B12N12 complex.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Novel A-Ring Cleaved Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Alho Daniela P.S. , Salvador Jorge A.R. , Cascante Marta , Marin Silvia
Published: August 2019

A series of new glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives was synthesized via the opening of its ring A along with the coupling of an amino acid. The antiproliferative activity of the derivatives was evaluated against a panel of nine human cancer cell lines. Compound 17 was the most active compound, with an IC50 of 6.1 µM on Jurkat cells, which is 17-fold more potent than that of glycyrrhetinic acid, and was up to 10 times more selective toward that cancer cell line. Further biological investigation in Jurkat cells showed that the antiproliferative activity of compound 17 was due to cell cycle arrest at the S phase and induction of apoptosis.
Gold Plate Electrodes Functionalized by Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Film for Potentiometric Thallium(I) Detection
Authors: Hassan Saad S. M. , Abdelbasir Sabah. M. , Fathy M. Abdelwahab , Amr Abd El-Galil E. , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Kamel Ayman H.
Published: August 2019

Solid-contact potentiometric ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs) for thallium determination have been designed using multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the ion-to-electron transducer. Dispersed MWCNTs were drop-casted over a gold plate electrode. Two different crown ethers were used in the sensing membrane for the recognition of thallium (I). Sensorsbased on dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) as a neutral carrier and NaTPB as an anionic additive exhibited a near Nernstian response of 57.3 mV/decade towards Tl+ ions over the activity range 4.5 × 10−6–7.0 × 10−4 M, with a limit of detection of 3.2 × 10−7 M. The time required to achieve 95% of the steadyequilibrium potential was <10 s. The complex formation constant (log βML) between dibenzo-18-crown-6 and thallium (I) (i.e., 5.99) was measured using the sandwich membrane technique. The potential response was pH independent over the range 3.0–9.5. The introduction of MWCNTs as an electron-ion-transducer layer between gold plate and the sensing membrane lead to a smaller membrane resistance and a large double layer capacitance, which was proven using impedance spectra and chronopotentiometry (i.e., 114.9 ± 12 kΩ, 52.1 ± 3.3 pF, 200 ± 13.2 kΩ, and 50 ± 4.2 µF). Additionally, reduction ofthe water layer between the sensing membrane and the underlying conductor wastested. Thus, it is clear that MWCNTs can be used as a transducing layer in SC-ISEs. The proposed sensor was introduced as an indicator electrode for potentiometric titration of single and ternary mixtures of I−, Br−, and S2− anions.
Bioactive Compounds of Cooked Tomato Sauce Modulate Oxidative Stress and Arachidonic Acid Cascade Induced by Oxidized LDL in Macrophage Cultures
Authors: Storniolo Carolina E. , Sacanella Ignasi , Mitjavila María T. , Lamuela-Raventos Rosa M. , Moreno Juan J.
Published: August 2019

Sofrito is a mix of tomato, onion, garlic, and olive oil, which contains phenolic compounds and carotenoids. Consumption of tomato-based sofrito has been related to a lower risk of cardiovascular events, but the mechanisms behind such beneficial effects remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze the effects of representative sofrito compounds such as naringenin, hydroxytyrosol, lycopene, and β-carotene on mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We demonstrated that both phenolic compounds and both carotenoids studied were able to inhibit low density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation, as well as oxidative stress and eicosanoid production induced by oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in macrophage cultures. These effects were not the consequences of disturbing oxLDL uptake by macrophages. Finally, we observed an additive effect of these sofrito compounds, as well as the activity of a main naringenin metabolite, naringenin 7-O-β-d-glucuronide on LDL oxidation and oxidative stress.
The Autophagy Signaling Pathway: A Potential Multifunctional Therapeutic Target of Curcumin in Neurological and Neuromuscular Diseases
Authors: Perrone Lorena , Squillaro Tiziana , Napolitano Filomena , Terracciano Chiara , Sampaolo Simone , Melone Mariarosa Anna Beatrice
Published: August 2019

Autophagy is the major intracellular machinery for degrading proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, and organelles. This cellular process is essential for the maintenance of the correct cellular balance in both physiological and stress conditions. Because of its role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, dysregulation of autophagy leads to various disease manifestations, such as inflammation, metabolic alterations, aging, and neurodegeneration. A common feature of many neurologic and neuromuscular diseases is the alteration of the autophagy-lysosomal pathways. For this reason, autophagy is considered a target for the prevention and/or cure of these diseases. Dietary intake of polyphenols has been demonstrated to prevent/ameliorate several of these diseases. Thus, natural products that can modulate the autophagy machinery are considered a promising therapeutic strategy. In particular, curcumin, a phenolic compound widely used as a dietary supplement, exerts an important effect in modulating autophagy. Herein, we report on the current knowledge concerning the role of curcumin in modulating the autophagy machinery in various neurological and neuromuscular diseases as well as its role in restoring the autophagy molecular mechanism in several cell types that have different effects on the progression of neurological and neuromuscular disorders.
Leptin in Human Milk and Child Body Mass Index: Results of the Ulm Birth Cohort Studies
Authors: Logan Chad A. , Siziba Linda P. , Koenig Wolfgang , Carr Prudence , Brenner Hermann , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Genuneit Jon
Published: August 2019

The objective of the study was to investigate the potential association of human milk leptin concentrations with child body mass index (BMI) and BMI trajectory patterns up to two years of age among children in the Ulm SPATZ Health Study. Leptin concentration was measured in skimmed human milk by ELISA (R&D System). Child BMI was determined at two to three days, three to four weeks, four to five months, one year, and two years of age. In SPATZ, leptin concentration at six weeks was inversely associated with child BMI at four to five weeks [beta –0.13, 95%CI –0.21;–0.05)] and at three to four months –0.12 –0.21;–0.03)]. Among infants of average BMI shortly after delivery, six week leptin was positively associated with greater increase in BMI from four to five weeks up to two years of age [0.16 (0.04;0.27)]. No associations were observed for six month leptin. Direction of association was the same in the Ulm Birth Cohort Study (UBCS), but statistically insignificant as the point estimate included the null effect value. Our results from SPATZ suggest human milk leptin may play a role in early infant growth. However, it is plausible that the lack of associations in UBCS suggest that these differences of human milk leptin composition between populations could have an impact in infant growth and development in a given population.
Polyphenols and Metabolites Enhance Survival in Rodents and Nematodes—Impact of Mitochondria
Authors: Dilberger Benjamin , Passon Maike , Asseburg Heike , Silaidos Carmina V. , Schmitt Fabian , Schmiedl Tommy , Schieber Andreas , Eckert Gunter P.
Published: August 2019

(1) Background: Polyphenols (PP) play an important role in the prevention of non-communicable diseases and may contribute to healthy aging. To investigate the molecular and cellular aspects of PP metabolites on longevity with a focus on mitochondrial function, we applied a pre-fermented mixture of polyphenols (Rechtsregulat®, RR) to rodents and nematodes. (2) Methods: The lifespans of Navar Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice and C. elegans were recorded. The heat-stress resistance (37 °C) of C. elegans N2 was measured using nucleic staining. Respiration and membrane potential (ΔΨm) were measured in isolated mitochondria. The energetic metabolites adenosine triphosphate (ATP), lactate, and pyruvate were determined in lysates. Expression levels of longevity related genes were determined using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Phenolic compounds were identified using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-Iontrap-multiple stage mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-Iontrap-MSn). (3) Results: Several phenolic metabolites including protocatechuic acid (PCA) were identified in RR. Feeding of mice with RR resulted in a significantly increased lifespan. Heat-stress resistance (RR *** p = 0.0006; PCA **** p < 0.0001), median lifespan (NMRI: RR ** p = 0.0035; C. elegans RR * p = 0.0279; PCA **** p < 0.0001), and activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (RR *−** p = 0.0237 − 0.0052; PCA * p = 0.019 − 0.0208) of C. elegans were significantly increased after incubation with RR (10%) or PCA (780 µM). PCA significantly improved nematodes ΔΨm (* p = 0.02058) and ATP levels (* p = 0.029). RR significantly up-regulated lactate levels, indicating enhanced glycolysis. The expression levels of longevity related genes daf-16, sir-2.1, and skn-1 were significantly upregulated after PCA, and partially after RR administration. (4) Conclusion: Phenolic metabolites such as PCA have the potential to enhance health and lifespan and mitochondrial function, and thus may contribute to healthy aging.
Associations between the Prenatal Diet and Neonatal Outcomes—A Secondary Analysis of the Cluster-Randomised GeliS Trial
Authors: Günther Julia , Hoffmann Julia , Spies Monika , Meyer Dorothy , Kunath Julia , Stecher Lynne , Rosenfeld Eva , Kick Luzia , Rauh Kathrin , Hauner Hans
Published: August 2019

The prenatal lifestyle, including maternal dietary behaviour, is an important determinant of offspring health. This secondary cohort analysis of the GeliS (“healthy living in pregnancy”) trial investigated associations between antenatal dietary factors and neonatal weight parameters. The cluster-randomised GeliS trial included 2286 pregnant women. Dietary information was collected with food frequency questionnaires before or in the 12th (T0) and after the 29th week of gestation (T1). Consumption of vegetables (41.28 g per portion at T0, p = 0.001; 36.67 g per portion at T1, p = 0.001), fruit (15.25 g per portion at T1, p = 0.010) and dietary quality, measured with a Healthy Eating Index (39.26 g per 10 points at T0, p = 0.004; 42.76 g per 10 points at T1, p = 0.002) were positively associated with birth weight. In contrast, sugar-sweetened beverages (10.90 g per portion at T0, p = 0.003; 8.19 g per portion at T1, p = 0.047), higher sugar consumption at T0 (8.27 g per 10 g, p = 0.032) and early pregnancy alcohol intake (15.32 g per g, p = 0.039) were inversely associated with birth weight. Most other dietary factors were not associated with neonatal weight. Some components reflecting a healthy maternal diet were associated with a modest increase in offspring birth weight, whereas some unhealthy components slightly reduced neonatal weight.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Body Composition and Metabolic Risk Factors in Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lerchbaum Elisabeth , Trummer Christian , Theiler-Schwetz Verena , Kollmann Martina , Wölfler Monika , Pilz Stefan , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara
Published: August 2019

Vitamin D might play a role in metabolic processes and obesity. We therefore examined vitamin D effects on metabolic markers and obesity in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). This is a post-hoc analysis of the Graz Vitamin D&TT-RCT, a single-center, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. We included 200 healthy men with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) levels <75 nmol/L. Subjects received 20,000 IU of vitamin D3/week (n = 100) or placebo (n = 100) for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were metabolic markers, anthropometric measures, and body composition assessed by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. One-hundred and ninety-two men completed the study. We found a significant treatment effect on fasting glucose/fasting insulin ratio (−5.3 (−10.4 to −0.2), p = 0.040), whereas we observed no significant effect on the remaining outcome parameters. In subgroup analyses of men with baseline 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L (n = 80), we found a significant effect on waist circumference (1.6 (0.3 to 2.9) cm, p = 0.012), waist-to-hip ratio (0.019 (0.002 to 0.036), p = 0.031), total body fat (0.029 (0.004 to 0.055) %, p = 0.026), and android fat (1.18 (0.11 to 2.26) %, p = 0.010). In middle-aged healthy men, vitamin D treatment had a negative effect on insulin sensitivity. In vitamin D deficient men, vitamin D has an unfavorable effect on central obesity and body composition.
Availability of Donor Milk for Very Preterm Infants Decreased the Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis without Adversely Impacting Growth or Rates of Breastfeeding
Authors: Cañizo Vázquez Débora , Salas García Sandra , Izquierdo Renau Montserrat , Iglesias-Platas Isabel
Published: August 2019

Human milk contains non-nutritional factors that promote intestinal maturation and protect against infectious and inflammatory conditions. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) setting, donor milk (DM) is recommended when availability of own mother’s milk (OMM) is not enough. Our aim was to compare the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late-onset sepsis (LOS) in very preterm infants (VPI) after the introduction of DM. Growth and breastfeeding rates were examined as secondary outcomes. Single center, observational and retrospective cohort study comparing 227 VPI admitted to our neonatal unit before (Group 1, n = 99) and after (Group 2, n = 128) DM introduction. Enteral nutrition was started earlier after DM availability (2.6 ± 1.1 vs. 2.1 ± 1 days, p = 0.001). Incidence of NEC decreased in group 2 (9.1% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.055), especially in those born between 28 and 32 weeks (5.4 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.044). Surgical NEC was also less frequent. Suffering NEC was 4 times more likely in group 1 (multivariate analysis). Availability of DM did not impact breastfeeding rates or preterm growth. Our findings support the protective role of DM against NEC, particularly in non-extreme VPI, a group less frequently included in clinical guidelines and research studies on the use of DM.
Time Is/Time Was/Time Is Not: David Mitchell and the Resonant Interval
Authors: Purcell Stuart J.
Published: August 2019

Seven weeks before the release of his novel, Slade House (2015), David Mitchell began tweeting as a character, “Bombadil”, from the forthcoming text. The tweets appeared on an account, @I_Bombadil (2015), set up by Mitchell, with the platform affording the author the opportunity to extend the character’s narrative arc beyond the pages of the print-published novel and into Twitter’s digital environs. For Mitchell, the boundaries separating literary works are never absolute and the process of repeatedly returning to and referencing prior works, methodically expanding and stretching his corpus by thematically and structurally folding each new work into an extant literary universe, is the central characteristic of his literary practice. What was notable in the case of @I_Bombadil and Slade House, however, was that the connections across and between the works were also connections across and between distinct media environments. This article examines the ways in which the temporal-spatial entanglements between @I_Bombadil and Slade House, characteristic of Mitchell’s retrospective and recursive literary practice, were intensified and complicated as they were further tangled up with the temporal–spatial dynamics of digital and print media respectively. By utilising Marshall McLuhan’s media studies, and particularly his concept of the “resonant interval”—the borderline between “acoustic” and “visual” space produced in the dialogue between electronic (digital) and print media—as a means of articulating the dialogic double-space in between @I_Bombadil and Slade House, this article addresses the works as a symbiotic product of both literary technique and materialist media operability, adopting a nuanced, media-oriented perspective that fully engages with the temporal affordances of the Twitter platform as an inextricable aspect of the fundamentally temporal-spatial dynamics of Mitchell’s “resonant” literary practice.
A Novel Hierarchically Porous Polypyrrole Sphere Modified Separator for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Baoe , Sun Zhenghao , Zhao Yan , Bakenov Zhumabay
Published: August 2019

The commercialization of Lithium-sulfur batteries was limited by the polysulfide shuttle effect, and modifying the routine separator was an effective method to solve this problem. In this work, a novel hierarchically porous polypyrrole sphere (PPS) was successfully prepared by using silica as hard-templates. As-prepared PPS was slurry-coated on the separator, which could reduce the polarization phenomenon of the sulfur cathode, and efficiently immobilize polysulfides. As expected, high sulfur utilization was achieved by suppressing the shuttle effect. When tested in the lithium-sulfur battery, it exhibited a high capacity of 855 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, and delivered a reversible capacity of 507 mAh·g−1 at 3 C, showing excellent electrochemical performance.
Piezoelectric Films Based on Polyethylene Modified by Aluminosilicate Filler
Authors: Kaczmarek Halina , Królikowski Bogusław , Chylińska Marta , Klimiec Ewa , Bajer Dagmara
Published: August 2019

The development, universality and miniaturization of electronic devices leads to the search for new piezoelectric materials, among which recently, polymers play an increasingly important role. In this work, composites based on two types of polyethylene—high density polyethylene (HDPE), and medium density polyethylene (MDPE)—and aluminosilicate fillers were obtained by extrusion process. This method allowed obtaining flexible electrets in the form of a thin film after polarization under a constant electric field of 100 V/μm. The morphology of the composites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the crystallinity was determined by X-ray diffraction. The mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composites were examined by means of tensile tests and thermogravimetry, respectively. The piezoelectric characteristics were appointed by measuring the electric charge and the voltage in the polarized samples. Piezoelectric coefficients, and the stability of electrets over time were also determined. Moreover, the effect of film orientation on piezoelectric properties was investigated. Composites with appropriate morphology (i.e., well dispersed filler particles in the polymer matrix and formed holes) were obtained which ensured permanent electrical polarization. It was found that the best piezoelectric, mechanical properties and thermal stability exhibits HDPE composite with 5% of aluminosilicate filler.
Highly Selective and Reproducible Electrochemical Sensing of Ascorbic Acid Through a Conductive Polymer Coated Electrode
Authors: Bilal Salma , Akbar Ayesha , Shah Anwar-ul-Haq Ali
Published: August 2019

The surface of an Au-disc electrode was modified through electro polymerization of aniline, in the presence of dodecyl benzene sulphonic acid (DBSA) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4) solution. The polymerization conditions were pre-optimized so that micelle formation and solution coagulation could be minimized and surfactant doped polyaniline film could be obtained through a quick, simple and one step polymerization route. The synthesized material was characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The effective surface area of the Au-disc, calculated through cyclic voltammetry, was immensely increased through a polyaniline (PANI) coating (0.04 and 0.11 cm2 for bare and PANI coated gold respectively). The modified electrode was utilized for ascorbic acid (AA) sensing. The changing pH of electrolyte and scan rate influenced the PANI electrode response towards AA. The modified electrode was highly selective towards AA oxidation and showed a very low limit of detection i.e. 0.0267 μmol·L–1. Moreover, the PANI coating greatly reduced the sensing potential for AA by a value of around 140 mV when compared to that on a bare gold electrode.