bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein Adsorption: A Feasible Method for Nanoparticle Functionalization?
Authors: Cagliani Roberta , Gatto Francesca , Bardi Giuseppe
Published: June 2019

Nanomaterials are now well-established components of many sectors of science and technology. Their sizes, structures, and chemical properties allow for the exploration of a vast range of potential applications and novel approaches in basic research. Biomedical applications, such as drug or gene delivery, often require the release of nanoparticles into the bloodstream, which is populated by blood cells and a plethora of small peptides, proteins, sugars, lipids, and complexes of all these molecules. Generally, in biological fluids, a nanoparticle’s surface is covered by different biomolecules, which regulate the interactions of nanoparticles with tissues and, eventually, their fate. The adsorption of molecules onto the nanomaterial is described as “corona” formation. Every blood particulate component can contribute to the creation of the corona, although small proteins represent the majority of the adsorbed chemical moieties. The precise rules of surface-protein adsorption remain unknown, although the surface charge and topography of the nanoparticle seem to discriminate the different coronas. We will describe examples of adsorption of specific biomolecules onto nanoparticles as one of the methods for natural surface functionalization, and highlight advantages and limitations. Our critical review of these topics may help to design appropriate nanomaterials for specific drug delivery.
Ferromagnetic ε-Fe2MnN: High-Pressure Synthesis, Hardness and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Schwarz Ulrich , Guo Kai , Clark William P. , Burkhardt Ulrich , Bobnar Matej , Castillo Rodrigo , Akselrud Lev , Niewa Rainer
Published: June 2019

The iron manganese nitride Fe2MnN was obtained by high-pressure–high-temperature synthesis from ζ-Fe2N and elemental Mn at 15(2) GPa and 1573(200) K. The phase crystallizes isostructural to binary ε-Fe3N. In comparison to the corresponding binary iron nitride, the microhardness of ε-Fe2MnN is reduced to 6.2(2) GPa. Above about 800 K the ternary compound decomposes exothermally under loss of nitrogen. ε-Fe2MnN is ferromagnetic with a Curie temperature of roughly 402 K.
Effect of Diffusion Annealing Temperature on the Formation Process and Properties of a Carbon–Aluminum Composite Layer on Pure Titanium
Authors: Li Hongzhan , Ma Youping , Li Zhengxian , Ji Shouchang , Wang Yanfeng , Wang Yifei
Published: June 2019

A carbon–aluminum composite layer was prepared on the surface of pure titanium by double glow plasma carburizing, magnetron sputtering aluminizing, and vacuum-diffusional annealing treatment. The microstructure, phase composition, and properties of the composite layer obtained at different annealing temperatures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the ball-on-disc wear method. Results showed that the layer contained a mixture of TiAl3, Ti2Al5, and TiC phases at 650 °C for 6 h, which can significantly enhance the hardness and wear resistance of pure titanium. The layer exhibited a higher hardness of around 1231 HV0.1, a lower friction coefficient of 0.33, and lower wear volumes of 0.018 mm3 than those of the titanium substrate.
White Light Emission from Thin-Film Samples of ZnO Nanocrystals, Eu3+ and Tb3+ Ions Embedded in an SiO2 Matrix
Authors: Mangalam Vivek , Pita Kantisara
Published: June 2019

In this work, a method was developed to determine the concentration of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions in a thin-film sample of SiO2, co-doped with ZnO-nanocrystals (ZnO-nc), to produce a sample of any desired colour in the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) colour space. Using this method, a white light emitting sample was fabricated. The thin-film sample combines red, green and blue emissions from the Eu3+ ions, Tb3+ ions and ZnO-nc, respectively, to create white light or light of any desired colour. The emissions at 614 nm and 545 nm from Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions, respectively, is due to the energy transfer from the excited ZnO-nc to the rare-earth (RE) ions. In this way, only a single excitation wavelength is needed to excite the ZnO-nc, Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions in the sample to produce emission of a desired colour from the sample. We developed an empirical 4th-degree polynomial equation to determine the concentrations of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions to produce light of any desired colour in the CIE colour space. Based on the above empirical equation, the concentration of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions for a white light emitting sample was found to be 0.012 and 0.024 molar fractions, respectively. The white light emission from the sample was confirmed by fabricating the sample using the low-cost sol–gel process. The stimulated emission spectra and the experimental emission spectra of the white light sample fit very well. The results presented in this work are important to develop energy efficient solid state lighting devices.
Effect of Magnetic Field and Aggregation on Electrical Characteristics of Magnetically Responsive Suspensions for Novel Hybrid Liquid Capacitor
Authors: Shimada Kunio
Published: June 2019

Magnetically responsive fluid based on polymers of natural rubber (NR-latex) involves a magnetic compound fluid (MCF) rubber liquid. For a wide range of engineering applications of suspensions or liquids with particles, their electrical characteristics of fluidic suspensions are investigated to obtain useful results that might be important in the study of devices, such as fluidic sensors and capacitors. The author of the present paper proposes that MCF rubber liquid can be produced by combining MCF and rubber latex. The influence of the aggregation of magnetic particles and rubber molecules on electrical characteristics under a magnetic field was investigated by measuring electrical properties under an applied voltage. The electrical characteristics change with a linear or a nonlinear response, based on conditions of particle aggregation. The capacity of the electric charge also changes with the conditions of particle aggregation. These results show that MCF rubber liquid is a novel hybrid capacitor.
An Introduction to Space–Time Exterior Calculus
Authors: Colombaro Ivano , Font-Segura Josep , Martinez Alfonso
Published: June 2019

The basic concepts of exterior calculus for space–time multivectors are presented: Interior and exterior products, interior and exterior derivatives, oriented integrals over hypersurfaces, circulation and flux of multivector fields. Two Stokes theorems relating the exterior and interior derivatives with circulation and flux, respectively, are derived. As an application, it is shown how the exterior-calculus space–time formulation of the electromagnetic Maxwell equations and Lorentz force recovers the standard vector-calculus formulations, in both differential and integral forms.
Chitin and Chitosans: Characteristics, Eco-Friendly Processes, and Applications in Cosmetic Science
Authors: Casadidio Cristina , Peregrina Dolores Vargas , Gigliobianco Maria Rosa , Deng Siyuan , Censi Roberta , Di Martino Piera
Published: June 2019

Huge amounts of chitin and chitosans can be found in the biosphere as important constituents of the exoskeleton of many organisms and as waste by worldwide seafood companies. Presently, politicians, environmentalists, and industrialists encourage the use of these marine polysaccharides as a renewable source developed by alternative eco-friendly processes, especially in the production of regular cosmetics. The aim of this review is to outline the physicochemical and biological properties and the different bioextraction methods of chitin and chitosan sources, focusing on enzymatic deproteinization, bacteria fermentation, and enzymatic deacetylation methods. Thanks to their biodegradability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and bioactivity, the applications of these marine polymers are widely used in the contemporary manufacturing of biomedical and pharmaceutical products. In the end, advanced cosmetics based on chitin and chitosans are presented, analyzing different therapeutic aspects regarding skin, hair, nail, and oral care. The innovative formulations described can be considered excellent candidates for the prevention and treatment of several diseases associated with different body anatomical sectors.
Structural and Functional Analyses of Cone Snail Toxins
Authors: Morales Duque Harry , Campos Dias Simoni , Franco Octávio
Published: June 2019

Cone snails are marine gastropod mollusks with one of the most powerful venoms in nature. The toxins, named conotoxins, must act quickly on the cone snails´ prey due to the fact that snails are extremely slow, reducing their hunting capability. Therefore, the characteristics of conotoxins have become the object of investigation, and as a result medicines have been developed or are in the trialing process. Conotoxins interact with transmembrane proteins, showing specificity and potency. They target ion channels and ionotropic receptors with greater regularity, and when interaction occurs, there is immediate physiological decompensation. In this review we aimed to evaluate the structural features of conotoxins and the relationship with their target types.
Alterations of Methionine Metabolism as Potential Targets for the Prevention and Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Pascale Rosa M. , Peitta Graziella , Simile Maria M. , Feo Francesco
Published: June 2019

Several researchers have analyzed the alterations of the methionine cycle associated with liver disease to clarify the pathogenesis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and improve the preventive and the therapeutic approaches to this tumor. Different alterations of the methionine cycle leading to a decrease of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) occur in hepatitis, liver steatosis, liver cirrhosis, and HCC. The reproduction of these changes in MAT1A-KO mice, prone to develop hepatitis and HCC, demonstrates the pathogenetic role of MAT1A gene under-regulation associated with up-regulation of the MAT2A gene (MAT1A:MAT2A switch), encoding the SAM synthesizing enzymes, methyladenosyltransferase I/III (MATI/III) and methyladenosyltransferase II (MATII), respectively. This leads to a rise of MATII, inhibited by the reaction product, with a consequent decrease of SAM synthesis. Attempts to increase the SAM pool by injecting exogenous SAM have beneficial effects in experimental alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis inhibition by SAM include: (1) antioxidative effects due to inhibition of nitric oxide (NO•) production, a rise in reduced glutathione (GSH) synthesis, stabilization of the DNA repair protein Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 (APEX1); (2) inhibition of c-myc, H-ras, and K-ras expression, prevention of NF-kB activation, and induction of overexpression of the oncosuppressor PP2A gene; (3) an increase in expression of the ERK inhibitor DUSP1; (4) inhibition of PI3K/AKT expression and down-regulation of C/EBPα and UCA1 gene transcripts; (5) blocking LKB1/AMPK activation; (6) DNA and protein methylation. Different clinical trials have documented curative effects of SAM in alcoholic liver disease. Furthermore, SAM enhances the IFN-α antiviral activity and protects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury during hepatectomy in HCC patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, although SAM prevents experimental tumors, it is not curative against already established experimental and human HCCs. The recent observation that the inhibition of MAT2A and MAT2B expression by miRNAs leads to a rise of endogenous SAM and strong inhibition of cancer cell growth could open new perspectives to the treatment of HCC.
The Effect of Temperature and Mo Content on the Lattice Misfit of Model Ni-Based Superalloys
Authors: Goodfellow Amy J. , Owen Lewis R. , Christofidou Katerina A. , Kelleher Joe , Hardy Mark C. , Stone Howard J.
Published: June 2019

The lattice parameters and misfit of the γ and γ′ phases in a series of model quaternary Ni-based superalloys with and without Mo additions have been determined using neutron diffraction between room temperature and 700 °C. Despite the fact that Mo is typically expected to partition almost exclusively to the γ phase and thereby increase the lattice parameter of that phase alone, the lattice parameters of both the γ and γ′ phases were observed to increase with Mo addition. Nevertheless, the effect on the γ lattice parameter was more pronounced, leading to an overall decrease in the lattice misfit with increasing Mo content. Alloys with the lowest Mo content were found to be positively misfitting, whilst additions of 5 at.% Mo produced a negative lattice misfit. A general decrease in the lattice misfit with increasing temperature was also observed.
Fatigue Behavior of Metastable Austenitic Stainless Steels in LCF, HCF and VHCF Regimes at Ambient and Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Smaga Marek , Boemke Annika , Daniel Tobias , Skorupski Robert , Sorich Andreas , Beck Tilmann
Published: June 2019

Corrosion resistance has been the main scope of the development in high-alloyed low carbon austenitic stainless steels. However, the chemical composition influences not only the passivity but also significantly affects their metastability and, consequently, the transformation as well as the cyclic deformation behavior. In technical applications, the austenitic stainless steels undergo fatigue in low cycle fatigue (LCF), high cycle fatigue (HCF), and very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime at room and elevated temperatures. In this context, the paper focuses on fatigue and transformation behavior at ambient temperature and 300 °C of two batches of metastable austenitic stainless steel AISI 347 in the whole fatigue regime from LCF to VHCF. Fatigue tests were performed on two types of testing machines: (i) servohydraulic and (ii) ultrasonic with frequencies: at (i) 0.01 Hz (LCF), 5 and 20 Hz (HCF) and 980 Hz (VHCF); and at (ii) with 20 kHz (VHCF). The results show the significant influence of chemical composition and temperature of deformation induced α´-martensite formation and cyclic deformation behavior. Furthermore, a “true” fatigue limit of investigated metastable austenitic stainless steel AISI 347 was identified including the VHCF regime at ambient temperature and elevated temperatures.
Evaluating Nanoparticles in Preclinical Research Using Microfluidic Systems
Authors: Zhu Derui , Long Qifu , Xu Yuzhen , Xing Jiangwa
Published: June 2019

Nanoparticles (NPs) have found a wide range of applications in clinical therapeutic and diagnostic fields. However, currently most NPs are still in the preclinical evaluation phase with few approved for clinical use. Microfluidic systems can simulate dynamic fluid flows, chemical gradients, partitioning of multi-organs as well as local microenvironment controls, offering an efficient and cost-effective opportunity to fast screen NPs in physiologically relevant conditions. Here, in this review, we are focusing on summarizing key microfluidic platforms promising to mimic in vivo situations and test the performance of fabricated nanoparticles. Firstly, we summarize the key evaluation parameters of NPs which can affect their delivery efficacy, followed by highlighting the importance of microfluidic-based NP evaluation. Next, we will summarize main microfluidic systems effective in evaluating NP haemocompatibility, transport, uptake and toxicity, targeted accumulation and general efficacy respectively, and discuss the future directions for NP evaluation in microfluidic systems. The combination of nanoparticles and microfluidic technologies could greatly facilitate the development of drug delivery strategies and provide novel treatments and diagnostic techniques for clinically challenging diseases.
Enhancement of Solasodine Extracted from Fruits of Solanum nigrum L. by Microwave-Assisted Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction and Analysis by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Lin Li , Yang Wen , Wei Xing , Wang Yi , Zhang Li , Zhang Yunsong , Zhang Zhiming , Zhao Ying , Zhao Maojun
Published: June 2019

Background: Solasodine is a major bioactive ingredient in Solanum nigrum L. that has strong pharmacological characteristics. Therefore, the development of a simple and effective extraction method for obtaining solasodine is highly important. This study aims to provide a rapid and effective method for extracting solasodine from Solanum nigrum L. by microwave-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (MAATPE). Methods: First, the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) conditions were established for the detection of solasodine. Then, the aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) compositions were examined. On the basis of the results of single-factor experiments, for a better yield, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize influential factors including the extraction temperature, extraction time and liquid-to-solid ratio. Results: The maximum extraction yield of 7.11 ± 0.08 mg/g was obtained at 44 °C, an extraction time of 15 min, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 42:1 mL/g in the ATPS consisting of EtOH solvent, (NH4)2SO4, and water (28:16:56, w/w/w). The extraction yield of the alkaloid obtained using this method was markedly higher than those of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). Conclusions: In this work, solasodine was extracted by MAATPE for the first time and a high yield was obtained. MAATPE is a simple, rapid, and green technique for extraction from medical plants. Thus, the present study will enable the development of a feasible extraction method of active alkaloids from Solanum nigrum L.
Cross-Coupling Reaction of Allylic Ethers with Aryl Grignard Reagents Catalyzed by a Nickel Pincer Complex
Authors: Hashimoto Toru , Funatsu Kei , Ohtani Atsufumi , Asano Erika , Yamaguchi Yoshitaka
Published: June 2019

A cross-coupling reaction of allylic aryl ethers with arylmagnesium reagents was investigated using β-aminoketonato- and β-diketiminato-based pincer-type nickel(II) complexes as catalysts. An β-aminoketonato nickel(II) complex bearing a diphenylphosphino group as a third donor effectively catalyzed the reaction to afford the target cross-coupled products, allylbenzene derivatives, in high yield. The regioselective reaction of a variety of substituted cinnamyl ethers proceeded to give the corresponding linear products. In contrast, α- and γ-alkyl substituted allylic ethers afforded a mixture of the linear and branched products. These results indicated that the coupling reaction proceeded via a π-allyl nickel intermediate.
Bridged Nucleic Acids Reloaded
Authors: Soler-Bistué Alfonso , Zorreguieta Angeles , Tolmasky Marcelo E.
Published: June 2019

Oligonucleotides are key compounds widely used for research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The rapid increase in oligonucleotide-based applications, together with the progress in nucleic acids research, has led to the design of nucleotide analogs that, when part of these oligomers, enhance their efficiency, bioavailability, or stability. One of the most useful nucleotide analogs is the first-generation bridged nucleic acids (BNA), also known as locked nucleic acids (LNA), which were used in combination with ribonucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides, or other analogs to construct oligomers with diverse applications. However, there is still room to improve their efficiency, bioavailability, stability, and, importantly, toxicity. A second-generation BNA, BNANC (2′-O,4′-aminoethylene bridged nucleic acid), has been recently made available. Oligomers containing these analogs not only showed less toxicity when compared to LNA-containing compounds but, in some cases, also exhibited higher specificity. Although there are still few applications where BNANC-containing compounds have been researched, the promising results warrant more effort in incorporating these analogs for other applications. Furthermore, newer BNA compounds will be introduced in the near future, offering great hope to oligonucleotide-based fields of research and applications.
Comparison of Artificial Neural Networks and Response Surface Methodology towards an Efficient Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Chlorogenic Acid from Lonicera japonica
Authors: Yu Hui-Chuan , Huang Shang-Ming , Lin Wei-Min , Kuo Chia-Hung , Shieh Chwen-Jen
Published: June 2019

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a bioactive compound commonly found in plants, has been demonstrated possessing nutraceutical potential in recent years. However, the more critical issue concerning how to improve production efficacy of CGA is still limited. It is a challenge to harvest a large amount of CGA without prolonging extraction time. In this study, the feasibility of using ultrasound for CGA extraction from Lonicera japonica was investigated. A central composite design (CCD) was employed to evaluate the effects of the operation parameters, including temperature, ethanol concentration, liquid to solid ratio, and ultrasound power on CGA yields. Meanwhile, the process of ultrasound-assisted extraction was optimized through modeling response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). The data indicated that CGA was efficiently extracted from the flower of Lonicera japonica by ultrasound assistance. The optimal conditions for the maximum extraction of CGA were as follows: The temperature at 33.56 °C, ethanol concentration at 65.88%, L/S ratio at 46:1 mL/g and ultrasound power at 150 W. ANN possessed greater optimization capacity than RSM for fitting experimental data and predicting the extraction process to obtain a maximum CGA yield. In conclusion, the process of ultrasound-assisted extraction can be well established by a methodological approach using either RSM or ANN, but it is worth mentioning that the ANN model used here showed the superiority over RSM for predicting and optimizing.
Different Role of Bisulfite/Sulfite in UVC-S(IV)-O2 System for Arsenite Oxidation in Water
Authors: Luo Tao , Wang Zhenhua , Wang Yi , Liu Zizheng , P. Pozdnyakov Ivan
Published: June 2019

It is of interest to use UV-sulfite based processes to degrade pollutants in wastewater treatment process. In this work, arsenic (As(III)) has been selected as a target pollutant to verify the efficacy of such a hypothesized process. The results showed that As(III) was quickly oxidized by a UV-sulfite system at neutral or alkaline pH and especially at pH 9.5, which can be mainly attributed to the generated oxysulfur radicals. In laser flash photolysis (LFP) experiments (λex = 266 nm), the signals of SO3•− and eaq− generated by photolysis of sulfite at 266 nm were discerned. Quantum yields for photoionization of HSO3− (0.01) and SO32− (0.06) were also measured. It has been established that eaq− does not react with SO32−, but reacts with HSO3− with a rate constant 8 × 107 M−1s−1.
Antiplasmodial Activity and In Vivo Bio-Distribution of Chloroquine Molecules Released with a 4-(4-Ethynylphenyl)-Triazole Moiety from Organometallo-Cobalamins
Authors: Rossier Jeremie , Nasiri Sovari Sara , Pavic Aleksandar , Vojnovic Sandra , Stringer Tameryn , Bättig Sarah , Smith Gregory S. , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina , Zobi Fabio
Published: June 2019

We have explored the possibility of using organometallic derivatives of cobalamin as a scaffold for the delivery of the same antimalarial drug to both erythro- and hepatocytes. This hybrid molecule approach, intended as a possible tool for the development of multi-stage antimalarial agents, pivots on the preparation of azide-functionalized drugs which, after coupling to the vitamin, are released with a 4-(4-ethynylphenyl)-triazole functionality. Three chloroquine and one imidazolopiperazine derivative (based on the KAF156 structure) were selected as model drugs. One hybrid chloroquine conjugate was extensively studied via fluorescent labelling for in vitro and in vivo bio-distribution studies and gave proof-of-concept for the design. It showed no toxicity in vivo (zebrafish model) as well as no hepatotoxicity, no cardiotoxicity or developmental toxicity of the embryos. All 4-(4-ethynylphenyl)-triazole derivatives of chloroquine were equally active against chloroquine-resistant (CQR) and chloroquine-sensitive (CQS) Plasmodium falciparum strains.
Optoelectronic and Electrothermal Properties of Transparent Conductive Silver Nanowires Films
Authors: Wang Yuehui , Du Dexi , Yang Xing , Zhang Xianfeng , Zhao Yuzhen
Published: June 2019

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) show promise for fabricating flexible transparent conductors owing to their excellent conductivity, high transparency, and good mechanical properties. Here, we present the fabrication of transparent films composed of AgNWs with diameters of 20–30 nm and lengths of 25–30 μm on polyethylene terephthalate substrates and glass slides substrates using the Meyer rod method. We systematically investigated the films’ optoelectronic and electrothermal properties. The morphology remained intact when heated at 25–150 °C and the AgNWs film showed high conductivity (17.6–14.3 Ω∙sq−1), excellent transmittance (93.9–91.8%) and low surface roughness values (11.2–14.7 nm). When used as a heater, the transparent AgNW conductive film showed rapid heating at low input voltages owing to a uniform heat distribution across the whole substrate surface. Additionally, the conductivity of the film decreased with increasing bending cycle numbers; however, the film still exhibited a good conductivity and heating performances after repeated bending.
Influences of Ga Doping on Crystal Structure and Polarimetric Pattern of SHG in ZnO Nanofilms
Authors: Long Hua , Habeeb Ammar , Kinyua Dickson , Wang Kai , Wang Bing , Lu Peixiang
Published: June 2019

The second-harmonic generation (SHG) in gallium doped ZnO (GZO) nanofilms was studied. The Ga doping in GZO nanofilms influenced the crystal structure of the films, which affected SHG characteristics of the nanofilms. In our experiments, a strong SHG response was obtained in GZO nanofilms, which was excited by 790 nm femtosecond laser. It was observed that the Ga doping concentrations affected, not only the intensity, but also the polarimetric pattern of SHG in GZO nanofilms. For 5.0% doped GZO films, the SHG intensity increased about 70%. The intensity ratio of SHG between the incident light polarization angle of 90° and 0°changed with the Ga doping concentrations. It showed the most significant increase for 7.3% doped GZO films, with an increased ratio of c/a crystal constants. This result was attributed to the differences of the ratios of d33/d31 (the second-order nonlinear susceptibility components) induced by the crystal distortion. The results are helpful to investigate nanofilms doping levels and crystal distortion by SHG microscopy, which is a non-destructive and sensitive method.
Retired Athletes and the Intersection of Food and Body: A Systematic Literature Review Exploring Compensatory Behaviours and Body Change
Authors: Buckley Georgina , Hall Linden , Lassemillante Annie-Claude , Ackerman Kathryn , Belski Regina
Published: June 2019

Background: Retirement from elite sport is a unique transition that influences significant identity, body, and lifestyle changes. This mixed-studies systematic literature review reports on athletic retirement, maladaptive eating behaviours, and body dissatisfaction. Methods: The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to search the following databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCO Host, Sport Discus, and CINAHL. Sixteen studies were synthesised and contrasted through thematic analysis to develop three overarching themes. Results: The three themes that arose include body dissatisfaction and grief, disordered eating and compensation, and long term influence of sporting culture. Maladaptive and compensatory behaviours can arise from sustained athletic identity, body grief, lack of education, and contradictory body ideals. Conclusion: The concept Athletic Body Transition is defined as exploring how a lack of body acceptance may lead to maladaptive behaviours related to food, exercise, and body arising in this transitory period. This review identifies the need for sporting organisations and health professionals to acknowledge this significant transition in regards to athletes’ relationship with food and body subsequent to a sporting career.
Using the Pleiotropic Characteristics of Curcumin to Validate the Potential Application of a Novel Gene Expression Screening Platform
Authors: Liao Se-Chun , Hsu Hsiu-Wen , Chuang Kun-Lin , Huang Zi-Yi , Lin Kuan-Ting , Hsu Wei-Hsiang , Chang Kai-Hsun , Huang Chi-Yin F. , Su Chun-Li
Published: June 2019

Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from curcumin longa that exhibits anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The consumption of foods at supernutritional levels to obtain health benefits may paradoxically result in negative health outcomes. In the present study, multiple targeting characteristics of curcumin were analyzed using our gene expression screening system, which utilized the gene expression signatures of curcumin from human hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer cells to query gene expression databases and effectively identify the molecular actions of curcumin. In agreement with prediction, curcumin inhibited NF-κB and Aurora-A, and induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Curcumin-suppressed NF-κB was identified through inhibition of PLCG1, PIK3R1, and MALT1 in the CD4-T-cell-receptor-signaling NF-κB cascade pathway. The results suggest that our novel gene expression screening platform is an effective method of rapidly identifying unknown biological functions and side effects of compounds with potential nutraceutical benefits.
Cow’s Milk Allergy: Immunomodulation by Dietary Intervention
Authors: D’Auria Enza , Salvatore Silvia , Pozzi Elena , Mantegazza Cecilia , Sartorio Marco Ugo Andrea , Pensabene Licia , Baldassarre Maria Elisabetta , Agosti Massimo , Vandenplas Yvan , Zuccotti GianVincenzo
Published: June 2019

Cow’s milk proteins cause allergic symptoms in 2% to 3% of all infants. In these individuals, the physiological mechanism of tolerance is broken with subsequent possible sensitization to antigens, which can lead eventually to allergic responses. The present review aims to provide an overview of different aspects of immune modulation by dietary intervention in cow’s milk allergy (CMA). It focuses on pathogenetic mechanisms of different CMA related disorders, e.g., gastroesophageal reflux and eosinophilic esophagitis, highlighting the role of dietary management on innate and adaptive immune systems. The traditional dietary management of CMA has greatly changed in the last years, moving from a passive approach, consisting of an elimination diet to relieve symptoms, to a “proactive” one, meaning the possibility to actively modulate the immune system. Thus, new insights into the role of hydrolysates and baked milk in immunomodulation are addressed here. Additionally, nutritional components, such as pre- and probiotics, may target the immune system via microbiota, offering a possible road map for new CMA prevention and treatment strategies.
Estrogenic Activity of Coffee Constituents
Authors: Kiyama Ryoiti
Published: June 2019

Here, the constituents of coffee with estrogenic activity are summarized by a comprehensive literature search, and their mechanisms of action for their physiological effects are discussed at the molecular and cellular levels. The estrogenic activity of coffee constituents, such as acids, caramelized products, carbohydrates, lignin, minerals, nitrogenous compounds, oil (lipids), and others, such as volatile compounds, was first evaluated by activity assays, such as animal tests, cell assay, ligand-binding assay, protein assay, reporter-gene assay, transcription assay, and yeast two-hybrid assay. Second, the health benefits associated with the estrogenic coffee constituents, such as bone protection, cancer treatment/prevention, cardioprotection, neuroprotection, and the improvement of menopausal syndromes, were summarized, including their potential therapeutic/clinical applications. Inconsistent results regarding mixed estrogenic/anti-estrogenic/non-estrogenic or biphasic activity, and unbeneficial effects associated with the constituents, such as endocrine disruption, increase the complexity of the effects of estrogenic coffee constituents. However, as the increase of the knowledge about estrogenic cell signaling, such as the types of specific signaling pathways, selective modulations of cell signaling, signal crosstalk, and intercellular/intracellular networks, pathway-based assessment will become a more realistic means in the future to more reliably evaluate the beneficial applications of estrogenic coffee constituents.
Radial Basis Function Neural Network-Based Modeling of the Dynamic Thermo-Mechanical Response and Damping Behavior of Thermoplastic Elastomer Systems
Authors: Kopal Ivan , Harničárová Marta , Valíček Jan , Krmela Jan , Lukáč Ondrej
Published: June 2019

The presented work deals with the creation of a new radial basis function artificial neural network-based model of dynamic thermo-mechanical response and damping behavior of thermoplastic elastomers in the whole temperature interval of their entire lifetime and a wide frequency range of dynamic mechanical loading. The created model is based on experimental results of dynamic mechanical analysis of the widely used thermoplastic polyurethane, which is one of the typical representatives of thermoplastic elastomers. Verification and testing of the well-trained radial basis function neural network for temperature and frequency dependence of dynamic storage modulus, loss modulus, as well as loss tangent prediction showed excellent correspondence between experimental and modeled data, including all relaxation events observed in the polymeric material under study throughout the monitored temperature and frequency interval. The radial basis function artificial neural network has been confirmed to be an exceptionally high-performance artificial intelligence tool of soft computing for the effective predicting of short-term viscoelastic behavior of thermoplastic elastomer systems based on experimental results of dynamic mechanical analysis.
Computer Simulation of Anisotropic Polymeric Materials Using Polymerization-Induced Phase Separation under Combined Temperature and Concentration Gradients
Authors: Ghaffari Shima , Chan Philip K. , Mehrvar Mehrab
Published: June 2019

In this study, the self-condensation polymerization of a tri-functional monomer in a monomer-solvent mixture and the phase separation of the system were simultaneously modeled and simulated. Nonlinear Cahn–Hilliard and Flory–Huggins free energy theories incorporated with the kinetics of the polymerization reaction were utilized to develop the model. Linear temperature and concentration gradients singly and in combination were applied to the system. Eight cases which faced different ranges of initial concentration and/or temperature gradients in different directions, were studied. Various anisotropic structural morphologies were achieved. The numerical results were in good agreement with published data. The size analysis and structural characterization of the phase-separated system were also carried out using digital imaging software. The results showed that the phase separation occurred earlier in the section with a higher initial concentration and/or temperature, and, at a given time, the average equivalent diameter of the droplets  was larger in this region. While smaller droplets formed later in the lower concentration/temperature regions, at the higher concentration/temperature side, the droplets went through phase separation longer, allowing them to reach the late stage of the phase separation where particles coarsened. In the intermediate stage of phase separation,  was found proportional to t * α , where α was in the range between 1 3 and 1 2 for the cases studied and was consistent with published results.
Determination of Holmquist–Johnson–Cook Constitutive Parameters of Coal: Laboratory Study and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Xie Beijing , Yan Zheng , Du Yujing , Zhao Zeming , Zhang Xiaoqian
Published: June 2019

The main sensitivity parameters of the Holmquist–Johnson–Cook constitutive model for coal were obtained from a variety of tests such as uniaxial compression, uniaxial cyclic loading, splitting and triaxial compression tests, as well as the indirect derivation equation of a briquette. The mechanical properties of briquettes under dynamic impact were investigated using a split Hopkinson pressure bar experiment. Based on the experimental measurement of the Holmquist–Johnson–Cook constitutive model, the numerical simulation of briquette was performed using ANSYS/LS-DYNA software. A comparison between experimental and simulation results verified the correctness of simulation parameters. This research concluded that the failure of briquette at different impact velocities started from an axial crack in the middle of the coal body, and the sample was swollen to some extent. By the increase of impact velocity, the severity of damage in the coal body was increased, while the size of the coal block was decreased. Moreover, there was good compliance between experimental and simulated stress wave curves in terms of coal sample failure and fracture morphology at different speeds. Finally, the parameters of the validated Holmquist–Johnson–Cook constitutive model were applied to the numerical simulation model of the impact damage of heading face and the process of coal seam damage in the roadway was visually displayed. The obtained results showed that the Holmquist–Johnson–Cook constitutive model parameters suitable for the prominent coal body were of great significance for the improvement and exploration of the occurrence mechanism of coal and rock dynamic disasters.
Computational Study of MHD Nanofluid Flow Possessing Micro-Rotational Inertia over a Curved Surface with Variable Thermophysical Properties
Authors: Ahmed Zahid , Al-Qahtani Ali , Nadeem Sohail , Saleem Salman
Published: June 2019

This work presents a numerical investigation of viscous nanofluid flow over a curved stretching surface. Single-walled carbon nanotubes were taken as a solid constituent of the nanofluids. Dynamic viscosity was assumed to be an inverse function of fluid temperature. The problem is modeled with the help of a generalized theory of Eringen Micropolar fluid in a curvilinear coordinates system. The governing systems of non-linear partial differential equations consist of mass flux equation, linear momentum equations, angular momentum equation, and energy equation. The transformed ordinary differential equations for linear and angular momentum along with energy were solved numerically with the help of the Keller box method. Numerical and graphical results were obtained to analyze the flow characteristic. It is perceived that by keeping the dynamic viscosity temperature dependent, the velocity of the fluid away from the surface rose in magnitude with the values of the magnetic parameter, while the couple stress coefficient decreased with rising values of the magnetic parameter.
Increasing Iron and Reducing Phosphorus Grades of Magnetic-Roasted High-Phosphorus Oolitic Iron Ore by Low-Intensity Magnetic Separation–Reverse Flotation
Authors: Xiao Junhui , Zhou Lingli
Published: June 2019

High-phosphorus oolitic iron ore, treated by suspended flash magnetic roasting, contained 42.73% iron (mainly present as magnetite) and 0.93% phosphorus (present as collophane). Low-intensity magnetic separation (LIMS) was combined with reverse flotation to increase the iron and reduce the phosphorus contents of the roasted product. The results showed that an optimized iron ore concentrate with an iron grade of 67.54%, phosphorus content of 0.11%, and iron recovery of 78.99% were obtained under LIMS conditions that employed a grind of 95% −0.038 mm and a magnetic field of 0.10 T. Optimized rougher reverse-flotation conditions used a pulp pH of 9 and dosages of toluenesulfonamide, starch, and pine alcohol oil of 800 g/t, 1000 g/t, and 40 g/t, respectively; optimized scavenging conditions used a pulp pH of 9 and dosages of toluenesulfonamide, starch, and pine alcohol oil of 400 g/t, 500 g/t, and 20 g/t, respectively. Study of the mechanism of phosphorus reduction showed that the toluenesulfonamide could be adsorbed on the surface of quartz after the action of starch, but adsorption was significantly weakened. The starch inhibitor negatively affected adsorption on quartz, but positively influenced adsorption of phosphorus minerals.
Design and Performance of Nonlinear Control for an Electro-Hydraulic Actuator Considering a Wearable Robot
Authors: Song Buchun , Lee Dongyoung , Park Sang Yong , Baek Yoon Su
Published: June 2019

In the development of a wearable robot, compact volume size, high energy efficiency, and a high load capacity linear actuator system are necessary. However, conventional hydraulic actuator systems are difficult to apply to wearable robots. Also, they have nonlinearities because of the presence of hydraulic fluid in a single rod cylinder. Electric linear actuators resolve the problems of hydraulic systems. However, due to their low load capacity, they are not easy to apply to wearable robots. In this paper, a pump-controlled electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA) system that considers the disadvantages of the hydraulic actuator and electric actuator is proposed for a wearable robot. Initially, a locking circuit design is considered for the EHA to give the system load holding capacity. Based on the developed model, the adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC) scheme is designed to resolve the nonlinearity problem of changes in the dynamic system. The ASMC scheme is then modeled and verified with Simulink. In order to verify the performance of the proposed adaptive control with the model, experiments are conducted. The proposed EHA verifies that the ASMC reaches the target value well despite the existence of many model uncertainties.
A Continuous Palynological Record of Forest Clearing at Rano Kao (Easter Island, SE Pacific) During the Last Millennium: Preliminary Report
Authors: Seco Irantzu , Rull Valentí , Montoya Encarni , Cañellas-Boltà Núria , Giralt Santiago , Margalef Olga , Pla-Rabes Sergi , D’Andrea William , Bradley Raymond , Sáez Alberto
Published: June 2019

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) deforestation has traditionally been viewed as a single event, synchronous in time and space across the island and caused by Polynesian settlers. However, recent studies have challenged this idea, introducing the concept of spatiotemporal heterogeneity and suggesting a role for climate change. This paper presents a continuous paleovegetation record of the last millennium (~960 to ~1710 CE), based on palynological analysis of a core from Lake Kao. During this time interval, deforestation was gradual, with three main pulses at ~1070 CE, ~1410 CE, and ~1600 CE, likely driven by drought, anthropogenic practices (mostly fire), or the coupling of both. Some forest regeneration trends have been documented after the first and the second deforestation pulses. Forests were totally removed by 1600 CE, coinciding with the full permanent human settlement of the Kao area. Comparison with other continuous palynological records available for the last millennium (Aroi marsh and Lake Raraku) confirms that forest clearing was heterogeneous in time and space, rather than synchronous island-wide.
Mapping Urban Areas Using a Combination of Remote Sensing and Geolocation Data
Authors: Xia Nan , Cheng Liang , Li ManChun
Published: June 2019

Urban areas are essential to daily human life; however, the urbanization process also brings about problems, especially in China. Urban mapping at large scales relies heavily on remote sensing (RS) data, which cannot capture socioeconomic features well. Geolocation datasets contain patterns of human movement, which are closely related to the extent of urbanization. However, the integration of RS and geolocation data for urban mapping is performed mostly at the city level or finer scales due to the limitations of geolocation datasets. Tencent provides a large-scale location request density (LRD) dataset with a finer temporal resolution, and makes large-scale urban mapping possible. The objective of this study is to combine multi-source features from RS and geolocation datasets to extract information on urban areas at large scales, including night-time lights, vegetation cover, land surface temperature, population density, LRD, accessibility, and road networks. The random forest (RF) classifier is introduced to deal with these high-dimension features on a 0.01 degree grid. High spatial resolution land cover (LC) products and the normalized difference built-up index from Landsat are used to label all of the samples. The RF prediction results are evaluated using validation samples and compared with LC products for four typical cities. The results show that night-time lights and LRD features contributed the most to the urban prediction results. A total of 176,266 km2 of urban areas in China were extracted using the RF classifier, with an overall accuracy of 90.79% and a kappa coefficient of 0.790. Compared with existing LC products, our results are more consistent with the manually interpreted urban boundaries in the four selected cities. Our results reveal the potential of Tencent LRD data for the extraction of large-scale urban areas, and the reliability of the RF classifier based on a combination of RS and geolocation data.
Fast GPU-Based Enhanced Wiener Filter for Despeckling SAR Data
Authors: Kanoun Bilel , Ferraioli Giampaolo , Pascazio Vito , Schirinzi Gilda
Published: June 2019

Speckle noise is presented as an inherent dilemma that affects the image processing field, and in particular synthetic aperture radar images. In order to mitigate the adverse effects caused by this phenomenon, several approaches have been introduced in the scientific community during the last three decades including spatial-based and non-local filtering approaches. However, these proposed techniques suffer from some limitations. In fact, it is very difficult to find an approach that is able, on the one hand, to perform well in terms of noise reduction and image detail preservation and, on the other hand, provide a filtering output solution without high computational complexity and within a short processing time. In this paper, we aim to evaluate the performance of a newly-developed despeckling algorithm, presented as an enhancement of the classical Wiener filter and properly designed to work with a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The algorithm is tested on both a simulated framework and real Sentinel-1 SAR data. The results, obtained in comparison with other filters, are interesting and promising. Indeed, the proposed method turns out to be a useful filtering instrument in the case of large images by performing the processing within a limited time and ensuring good speckle noise reduction with a considerable image detail preservation.