bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chicken Protein Hydrolysates Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects on High-Fat Diet Induced Obesity in Mice
Authors: Aloysius Thomas A. , Carvajal Ana Karina , Slizyte Rasa , Skorve Jon , Berge Rolf K. , Bjørndal Bodil
Published: December 2018

Background: Studies have shown that dietary source of protein and peptides can affect energy metabolism and influence obesity-associated diseases. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different chicken protein hydrolysates (CPHs) generated from chicken rest raw materials in a mouse obesity model. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet with casein or CPHs generated using Papain + Bromelain, Alcalase, Corolase PP, or Protamex for 12 weeks (n = 12). Body weight, feed intake, and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance was determined, and plasma and liver and adipose tissues were collected at sacrifice. Results: The average feed intake and body weight did not differ between the groups and white adipose tissue depots were unchanged, except for a reduction in the subcutaneous depot in mice fed the Protamex CPH diet. Moreover, the CPH diets did not prevent increased fasting glucose and insulin levels. Interestingly, the hepatic mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation was increased in mice fed Alcalase and Corolase PP CPHs. All CPH diets reduced plasma interleukine (IL)-1β, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor α, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 compared to control, indicating anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, Corolase PP and Protamex CPHs significantly reduced plasma levels of IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Conclusions: CPH diets were not able to counteract obesity and glucose intolerance in a mouse obesity model, but strongly reduced inflammatory parameters associated with obesity. Alcalase and Corolase PP CPHs also stimulated mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation. The possibility that hydrolysates from chicken rest raw materials could alleviate obesity-associated metabolic disease should be investigated further.
Effect of Solidification Time on Microstructural, Mechanical and Fatigue Properties of Solution Strengthened Ferritic Ductile Iron
Authors: Borsato Thomas , Ferro Paolo , Berto Filippo , Carollo Carlo
Published: December 2018

Microstructural, mechanical, and fatigue properties of solution strengthened ferritic ductile iron have been evaluated as functions of different solidification times. Three types of cast samples with increasing thickness have been produced in a green sand automatic molding line. Microstructural analyses have been performed in order to evaluate the graphite nodules parameter and matrix structure. Tensile and fatigue tests have been carried out using specimens taken from specific zones, with increasing solidification time, inside each cast sample. Finally, the fatigue fracture surfaces have been observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that solidification time has a significant effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of solution strengthened ferritic ductile iron. In particular, it has been found that with increasing solidification times, the microstructure becomes coarser and the presence of defects increases. Moreover, the lower the cooling rate, the lower the tensile and fatigue properties measured. Since in an overall casting geometry, same thicknesses may be characterized by different microstructures and mechanical properties induced by different solidification times, it is thought that the proposed methodology will be useful in the future to estimate the fatigue strength of cast iron castings through the numerical calculation of the solidification time.
Characterization of the Density and Spatial Distribution of Dispersoids in Al-Mg-Si Alloys
Authors: Remøe Magnus Sætersdal , Westermann Ida , Marthinsen Knut
Published: December 2018

Al-Mg-Si alloys often contain small additions of, for example, Mn or Cr, to form dispersoids, which may act as nucleation sites for Mg2Si particles after homogenization. The purpose of adding Mn and Cr is to ensure a high density of uniformly distributed small β’-particles, which can be dissolved during further processing prior to the final age hardening step. However, their density and spatial distribution are critically dependent on the homogenization procedure. It is therefore important to have a robust and reliable method for assessing their spatial distribution. In the present work, an existing methodology for assessing spatial uniformity, the Global Shannon Entropy (GSE), was implemented and evaluated for different dispersoid structures characterized by scanning electron microscopy. This metric is highly dependent on the parameters used, but by careful selection of adequate parameters, it can be effective in detecting non-uniformity. An important weakness with the GSE was identified, and a modification to improve on the ability to differentiate degrees of non-uniformity is suggested. To evaluate the proposed methodology, the effect of heating rate on dispersoid precipitation behaviour during homogenisation of four Al-Mg-Si alloys with different Mn/Cr-content was investigated. In general, the dispersoid density increased with decreasing heating rates as longer times in the furnace resulted in particle coarsening. Slower heating rates were found to promote a more uniform dispersoid structure for most alloys investigated in this study. The metric with the new term demonstrated promising results, and improved the ability to differentiate degrees of spatial uniformity.
Hypoxic Physiological Environments in a Gas-Regulated Microfluidic Device
Authors: Lee Insu , Woo Jin Hyuk , Lee Min , Jeon Tae-Joon , Kim Sun Min
Published: December 2018

Hypoxic environment is known as one of the critical factors in various physiological/pathological processes. It is imperative to recapitulate oxygen level in microscale for human physiology/pathology induced by hypoxia. Herein, we propose an oxygen-regulating system that can be applied to in vitro tissue models. We fabricated a microdevice with a gas-permeable membrane, allowing oxygen diffusion without direct contact to cells. We verified the formation of oxygen level less than 2% O2 concentration inside the device through computational simulation and experiments. H9c2 heart myoblasts were exposed to hypoxic condition in the device, and their cell viability were investigated. We anticipate that our system will be integrated with a platform to study hypoxia-induced human physiology and pathology as an efficient oxygen-regulating system.
MHY440, a Novel Topoisomerase Ι Inhibitor, Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis via a ROS-Dependent DNA Damage Signaling Pathway in AGS Human Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Jang Jung Yoon , Kang Yong Jung , Sung Bokyung , Kim Min Jeong , Park Chaeun , Kang Dongwan , Moon Hyung Ryong , Chung Hae Young , Kim Nam Deuk
Published: December 2018

We investigated the antitumor activity and action mechanism of MHY440 in AGS human gastric cancer cells. MHY440 inhibited topoisomerase (Topo) Ι activity and was associated with a DNA damage response signaling pathway. It exhibited a stronger anti-proliferative effect on AGS cells relative to Hs27 human foreskin fibroblast cells, and this effect was both time- and concentration-dependent. MHY440 also increased cell arrest in the G2/M phase by decreasing cyclin B1, Cdc2, and Cdc25c, and upregulating p53 and p73. MHY440 induced AGS cell apoptosis through the upregulation of Fas-L, Fas, and Bax as well as the proteolysis of BH3 interacting-domain death agonist and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. It also contributed to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The apoptotic cell death induced by MHY440 was inhibited by pretreatment with Z-VAD-FMK, a pan-caspase inhibitor, indicating that apoptosis was caspase-dependent. Moreover, the apoptotic effect of MHY440 was reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent, as evidenced by the inhibition of MHY440-induced PARP cleavage and ROS generation via N-acetylcysteine-induced ROS scavenging. Taken together, MHY440 showed anticancer effects by inhibiting Topo I, regulating the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis through caspase activation, and generating ROS, suggesting that MHY440 has considerable potential as a therapeutic agent for human gastric cancer.
A Comparative Study of Molybdenum Carbonyl and Oxomolybdenum Derivatives Bearing 1,2,3-Triazole or 1,2,4-Triazole in Catalytic Olefin Epoxidation
Authors: Nogueira Lucie S. , Neves Patrícia , Gomes Ana C. , Amarante Tatiana A. , Paz Filipe A. Almeida , Valente Anabela A. , Gonçalves Isabel S. , Pillinger Martyn
Published: December 2018

The molybdenum(0)-carbonyl-triazole complexes [Mo(CO)3(L)3] [L = 1,2,3-triazole (1,2,3-trz) or 1,2,4-triazole (1,2,4-trz)] have been prepared and examined as precursors to molybdenum(VI) oxide catalysts for the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene. Reaction of the carbonyl complexes with the oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) (either separately or in situ) gives oxomolybdenum(VI) hybrid materials that are proposed to possess one-dimensional polymeric structures in which adjacent oxo-bridged dioxomolybdenum(VI) moieties are further linked by bidentate bridging triazole (trz) ligands. A pronounced ligand influence on catalytic performance was found and the best result (quantitative epoxide yield within 1 h at 70 °C) was obtained with the 1,2,3-triazole oxomolybdenum(VI) hybrid. Both molybdenum oxide-triazole compounds displayed superior catalytic performance in comparison with the known hybrid materials [MoO3(trz)0.5], which have different structures based on organic-inorganic perovskite-like layers. With aqueous H2O2 as the oxidant instead of TBHP, all compounds were completely soluble and active. A pronounced ligand influence on catalytic performance was only found for the hybrids [MoO3(trz)0.5], and only the 1,2,4-trz compound displayed reaction-induced self-precipitation behavior. An insight into the type of solution species that may be involved in the catalytic processes with these compounds was obtained by separately treating [MoO3(1,2,4-trz)0.5] with excess H2O2, which led to the crystallization of the complex (NH4)1.8(H3O)0.2[Mo2O2(μ2-O)(O2)4(1,2,4-trz)]·H2O. The single-crystal X-ray investigation of this complex reveals an oxo-bridged dinuclear structure with oxodiperoxo groups being further linked by a single triazole bridge.
Mesoporous Silica-gold Films for Straightforward, Highly Reproducible Monitoring of Mercury Traces in Water
Authors: Mutschler Anna , Stock Vivian , Ebert Lena , Björk Emma M. , Leopold Kerstin , Lindén Mika
Published: December 2018

Trace-level detection of mercury in waters is connected with several complications including complex multistep analysis routines, applying additional, harmful reagents increasing the risk of contamination, and the need for expensive analysis equipment. Here, we present a straightforward reagent-free approach for mercury trace determination using a novel thin film sampling stick for passive sampling based on gold nanoparticles. The nanoparticles supported on a silicon wafer and further covered with a thin layer of mesoporous silica. The mesoporous silica layer is acting as a protection layer preventing gold desorption upon exposure to water. The gold nanoparticles are created by thermal treatment of a homogenous gold layer on silicon wafer prepared by vacuum evaporation. This gold-covered substrate is subsequently covered by a layer of mesoporous silica through dip-coating. Dissolved mercury ions are extracted from a water sample, e.g., river water, by incorporation into the gold matrix in a diffusion-controlled manner. Thus, the amount of mercury accumulated during sampling depends on the mercury concentration of the water sample, the accumulation time, as well as the size of the substrate. Therefore, the experimental conditions can be chosen to fit any given mercury concentration level without loss of sensitivity. Determination of the mercury amount collected on the stick is performed after thermal desorption of mercury in the gas phase using atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Furthermore, the substrates can be re-used several tens of times without any loss of performance, and the batch-to-batch variations are minimal. Therefore, the nanogold-mesoporous silica sampling substrates allow for highly sensitive, simple, and reagent-free determination of mercury trace concentrations in waters, which should also be applicable for on-site analysis. Successful validation of the method was shown by measurement of mercury concentration in the certified reference material ORMS-5, a river water.
Biohybrid Cathode in Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Massaglia Giulia , Fiorello Isabella , Sacco Adriano , Margaria Valentina , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Quaglio Marzia
Published: December 2018

The aim of this work is to investigate the properties of biofilms, spontaneously grown on cathode electrodes of single-chamber microbial fuel cells, when used as catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). To this purpose, a comparison between two sets of different carbon-based cathode electrodes is carried out. The first one (Pt-based biocathode) is based on the proliferation of the biofilm onto a Pt/C layer, leading thus to the creation of a biohybrid catalyst. The second set of electrodes (Pt-free biocathode) is based on a bare carbon-based material, on which biofilm grows and acts as the sole catalyst for ORR. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) characterization confirmed better performance when the biofilm is formed on both Pt-based and Pt-free cathodes, with respect to that obtained by biofilm-free cathodes. To analyze the properties of spontaneously grown cathodic biofilms on carbon-based electrodes, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is employed. This study demonstrates that the highest power production is reached when aerobic biofilm acts as a catalyst for ORR in synergy with Pt in the biohybrid cathode.
Dual Size-Dependent Effect of Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles Upon Interaction with Lysozyme Amyloid Fibrils: Disintegration and Adsorption
Authors: Tomašovičová Natália , Hu Po-Sheng , Zeng Cyun-Lun , Majorošová Jozefína , Zakutanská Katarína , Kopčanský Peter
Published: December 2018

Nanomedicine compounds containing nanoparticles, such as iron oxides and gold, have been demonstrated to be effective in promoting different magnitudes of interaction with amyloid β fibrils, of which disintegrating or inhibiting effects are of great importance to treating fibrillary aggregation-induced neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. This research herein studies the interaction between lysozyme amyloid fibrils, a type of fibers derived from hen egg white lysozyme, and Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of an assorted diameter sizes of 5 nm, 10 nm and 20 nm, using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Specifically, the effects of the sizes of negatively charged MNPs on the resultant amyloid fibrillary mixture was investigated. Our results of AFM images indicated that the interaction between MNPs and the fibrils commences immediately after adding MNPs to the fibril solution, and the actions of such MNPs-doped fibrillary interplay, either integration or segmentation, is strongly dependent on the size and volume concentration of MNPs. In the cases of 5 nm and 20 nm particles of equivalent volume concentration, the adsorption and agglomeration of MNPs onto the fibrillary surfaces was observed, whereas, interestingly, MNPs with diameter size of 10 nm enables segmentation of the slender fibrils into debris when a proper implemented volume concentration was found, which signifies utter destruction of the amyloid fibrillary structure.
Facile and Green Synthesis of Graphene-Based Conductive Adhesives via Liquid Exfoliation Process
Authors: Wu Jhao-Yi , Lai Yi-Chin , Chang Chien-Liang , Hung Wu-Ching , Wu Hsiao-Min , Liao Ying-Chih , Huang Chia-Hung , Liu Wei-Ren
Published: December 2018

In this study, we report a facile and green process to synthesize high-quality and few-layer graphene (FLG) derived from graphite via a liquid exfoliation process. The corresponding characterizations of FLG, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy, were carried out. The results of SEM show that the lateral size of as-synthesized FLG is 1–5 μm. The results of TEM and AFM indicate more than 80% of graphene layers is <10 layers. The most surprising thing is that D/G ratio of graphite and FLG are 0.15 and 0.19, respectively. The result of the similar D/G ratio demonstrates that little structural defects were created via the liquid exfoliation process. Electronic conductivity tests and resistance of composite film, in terms of different contents of graphite/polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and FLG/PVDF, were carried out. Dramatically, the FLG/PVDF composite demonstrates superior performance compared to the graphite/PVDF composite at the same ratio. In addition, the post-sintering process plays an important role in improving electronic conductivity by 85%. The composition-optimized FLG/PVDF thin film exhibits 81.9 S·cm−1. These results indicate that the developed FLG/PVDF composite adhesives could be a potential candidate for conductive adhesive applications.
Protective Role of Polyphenols against Vascular Inflammation, Aging and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Serino Alexa , Salazar Gloria
Published: December 2018

Aging is a major risk factor in the development of chronic diseases affecting various tissues including the cardiovascular system, muscle and bones. Age-related diseases are a consequence of the accumulation of cellular damage and reduced activity of protective stress response pathways leading to low-grade systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Both inflammation and oxidative stress are major contributors to cellular senescence, a process in which cells stop proliferating and become dysfunctional by secreting inflammatory molecules, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and extracellular matrix components that cause inflammation and senescence in the surrounding tissue. This process is known as the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Thus, accumulation of senescent cells over time promotes the development of age-related diseases, in part through the SASP. Polyphenols, rich in fruits and vegetables, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities associated with protective effects against major chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms by which polyphenols improve anti-oxidant capacity, mitochondrial function and autophagy, while reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). We also discuss the therapeutic potential of polyphenols in reducing the effects of the SASP and the incidence of CVD.
Executive Functioning in Obesity, Food Addiction, and Binge-Eating Disorder
Authors: Blume Marie , Schmidt Ricarda , Hilbert Anja
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to investigate food addiction (FA) and binge-eating disorder (BED) in their association to executive dysfunctions in adults with obesity. Data on response inhibition, attention, decision-making, and impulsivity were derived from four groups of adults with obesity: obesity and FA (n = 23), obesity and BED (n = 19), obesity and FA plus BED (FA/BED, n = 23), and a body mass index-, age-, and sex-stratified control group of otherwise healthy individuals with obesity (n = 23, OB), using established computerized neuropsychological tasks. Overall, there were few group differences in neuropsychological profiles. Individuals of the FA group did not differ from the OB group regarding executive functioning. Individuals with BED presented with significantly higher variability in their reaction times and a deficient processing of feedback for performance improvement compared to individuals of the OB group. Strikingly, individuals with FA/BED did not present neuropsychological impairments, but higher levels of depression than all other groups. The results indicated the presence of a BED-specific neuropsychological profile in the obesity spectrum. The additional trait FA was not related to altered executive functioning compared to the OB or BED groups. Future research is needed to discriminate FA and BED further using food-specific tasks.
Satiating Effect of High Protein Diets on Resistance-Trained Individuals in Energy Deficit
Authors: Roberts Justin , Zinchenko Anastasia , Mahbubani Krishnaa T. , Johnstone James , Smith Lee , Merzbach Viviane , Blacutt Miguel , Banderas Oscar , Villasenor Luis , Vårvik Fredrik T. , Henselmans Menno
Published: December 2018

Short-term energy deficit strategies are practiced by weight class and physique athletes, often involving high protein intakes to maximize satiety and maintain lean mass despite a paucity of research. This study compared the satiating effect of two protein diets on resistance-trained individuals during short-term energy deficit. Following ethical approval, 16 participants (age: 28 ± 2 years; height: 1.72 ± 0.03 m; body-mass: 88.83 ± 5.54 kg; body-fat: 21.85 ± 1.82%) were randomly assigned to 7-days moderate (PROMOD: 1.8 g·kg−1·d−1) or high protein (PROHIGH: 2.9 g·kg−1·d−1) matched calorie-deficit diets in a cross-over design. Daily satiety responses were recorded throughout interventions. Pre-post diet, plasma ghrelin and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), and satiety ratings were assessed in response to a protein-rich meal. Only perceived satisfaction was significantly greater following PROHIGH (67.29 ± 4.28 v 58.96 ± 4.51 mm, p = 0.04). Perceived cravings increased following PROMOD only (46.25 ± 4.96 to 57.60 ± 4.41 mm, p = 0.01). Absolute ghrelin concentration significantly reduced post-meal following PROMOD (972.8 ± 130.4 to 613.6 ± 114.3 pg·mL−1; p = 0.003), remaining lower than PROHIGH at 2 h (−0.40 ± 0.06 v −0.26 ± 0.06 pg·mL−1 normalized relative change; p = 0.015). Absolute PYY concentration increased to a similar extent post-meal (PROMOD: 84.9 ± 8.9 to 147.1 ± 11.9 pg·mL−1, PROHIGH: 100.6 ± 9.5 to 143.3 ± 12.0 pg·mL−1; p < 0.001), but expressed as relative change difference was significantly greater for PROMOD at 2 h (+0.39 ± 0.20 pg·mL−1 v −0.28 ± 0.12 pg·mL−1; p = 0.001). Perceived hunger, fullness and satisfaction post-meal were comparable between diets (p > 0.05). However, desire to eat remained significantly blunted for PROMOD (p = 0.048). PROHIGH does not confer additional satiating benefits in resistance-trained individuals during short-term energy deficit. Ghrelin and PYY responses to a test-meal support the contention that satiety was maintained following PROMOD, although athletes experiencing negative symptoms (i.e., cravings) may benefit from protein-rich meals as opposed to over-consumption of protein.
Role of Nutrition and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in the Multidisciplinary Approach of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Evaluation of Nutritional Status and Its Association with Severity of Disease
Authors: Barrea Luigi , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Annunziata Giuseppe , Muscogiuri Giovanna , Donnarumma Marianna , Marasca Claudio , Colao Annamaria , Savastano Silvia
Published: December 2018

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory and debilitating skin disorder. The exacerbating factors of HS include nutrition and adiposity. We aimed to investigate the relationships between body composition and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) with the severity of HS in a sample of naive-treatment patients with HS. In this case–controlled, cross-sectional study, we enrolled 41 HS patients and 41 control subjects. Body composition was evaluated by a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) phase-sensitive system. PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) and the 7-day food records were used to evaluate the degree of adherence to the MD and dietary pattern, respectively. The clinical severity was assessed by using the Sartorius HS score. HS patients had a worse body composition, in particular lower phase angle (PhA) (p < 0.001), and a lower adherence to the MD than controls, in spite of no differences in energy intake between the two groups. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showing a value of PhA of ≤ 5.7 and a PREDIMED score of ≤ 5.0 identified HS patients with the highest clinical severity of the disease. After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and total energy intake, the HS Sartorius score maintained negative correlations with PhA (p < 0.001), PREDIMED score, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.005). The results of the multivariate analysis showed PhA and PREDIMED score were the major determinants of HS Sartorius score, explaining 82.0% and 30.4% of its variability, respectively (p < 0.001). Novel associations were demonstrated between PhA and the degree of adherence to the MD with the HS severity. PhA and PREDIMED score might represent possible markers of severity of HS in a clinical setting.
Development of Criteria for Incorporating Occasionally Consumed Foods into a National Dietary Guideline: A Practical Approach Adapted to the Spanish Population
Authors: Menal-Puey Susana , Marques-Lopes Iva
Published: December 2018

Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) offer recommendations that help population to meet nutrient requirements. Most European FBDGs include quantitative information regarding daily and weekly consumed foods, but for occasionally consumed foods, they only recommend limiting their intake, without giving specific advice on portions. As these foods are consumed by the general population as a part of the cultural and culinary tradition of each country, it is important to establish the maximum frequency and the portions that would be acceptable to be included in a healthy eating pattern. This study outlines the methodology to include these foods in a national (Spanish) FBDG. Firstly, commonly consumed foods were selected and grouped, and portions were defined according to their nutritional value, so different foods within a group could be exchanged. Then, macronutrient profiles of occasionally consumed foods were compared to the frequently consumed food groups to determine to what extent they had a similar nutritional content. Finally, some combinations of foods, with or without the inclusion of occasionally consumed groups, were calculated. A maximum number of servings per group was defined according to their energy and nutrient content. Occasionally consumed foods can be included in a healthy diet as long as they are consumed in the small quantities as shown in this study and as long as they replace equivalent portions of other foods of frequent consumption. This new tool shows how to include occasionally consumed foods in a diet while maintaining its overall nutritional quality.
Appetite Perceptions, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Ghrelin, Peptide YY and State Anxiety Are Disturbed in Adolescent Females with Anorexia Nervosa and Only Partially Restored with Short-Term Refeeding
Authors: Heruc Gabriella A. , Little Tanya J. , Kohn Michael , Madden Sloane , Clarke Simon , Horowitz Michael , Feinle-Bisset Christine
Published: December 2018

Factors underlying disturbed appetite perception in anorexia nervosa (AN) are poorly characterized. We examined in patients with AN whether fasting and postprandial appetite perceptions, gastrointestinal (GI) hormones, GI symptoms and state anxiety (i) differed from healthy controls (HCs) and (ii) were modified by two weeks of refeeding. 22 female adolescent inpatients with restricting AN, studied on hospital admission once medically stable (Wk0), and after one (Wk1) and two (Wk2) weeks of high-calorie refeeding, were compared with 17 age-matched HCs. After a 4 h fast, appetite perceptions, GI symptoms, state anxiety, and plasma acyl-ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) concentrations were assessed at baseline and in response to a mixed-nutrient test-meal (479 kcal). Compared with HCs, in patients with AN at Wk0, baseline ghrelin, PYY, fullness, bloating and anxiety were higher, and hunger less, and in response to the meal, ghrelin, bloating and anxiety were greater, and hunger less (all p < 0.05). After two weeks of refeeding, there was no change in baseline or postprandial ghrelin or bloating, or postprandial anxiety, but baseline PYY, fullness and anxiety decreased, and baseline and postprandial hunger increased (p < 0.05). We conclude that in AN, refeeding for 2 weeks was associated with improvements in PYY, appetite and baseline anxiety, while increased ghrelin, bloating and postprandial anxiety persisted.
Protection of UVB-Induced Photoaging by Fuzhuan-Brick Tea Aqueous Extract via MAPKs/Nrf2-Mediated Down-Regulation of MMP-1
Authors: Zhao Peijun , Alam Md Badrul , Lee Sang-Han
Published: December 2018

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is viewed as the principal inducer of skin photo-aging, associated with acceleration of collagen degradation and upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The ethnic groups of southern/western China use Fuzhuan brick-tea (FBT) as a beverage and as a nutritional supplement. In this study, we scrutinized the antagonistic effects of aqueous extract of Fuzhuan-brick tea (FBTA) on skin photo-aging in UVB-exposed human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. FBTA exhibited strong antioxidant activity and quenched UVB-induced generation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) without showing any toxicity. FBTA was capable of combating oxidative stress by augmenting messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of both phase I and phase II detoxifying enzymes, especially heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), by upregulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated pathway in HaCaT cells via the phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). FBTA also downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) while upregulating type I procollagen by modulating Nrf2 signaling in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Collectively, our results show that FBTA might be useful as a functional food while being a good candidate in the development of cosmetic products and medicines for the remedy of UVB-induced skin photo-aging.
Glucose/Graphene-Based Aerogels for Gas Adsorption and Electric Double Layer Capacitors
Authors: Liu Kang-Kai , Jin Biao , Meng Long-Yue
Published: December 2018

In this study, three-dimensional glucose/graphene-based aerogels (G/GAs) were synthesized using the hydrothermal reduction and CO2 activation method. Graphene oxide (GO) was used as a matrix, and glucose was used as a binder for the orientation of the GO morphology in an aqueous media. We determined that G/GAs exhibited narrow mesopore size distribution, a high surface area (763 m2 g−1), and hierarchical macroporous and mesoporous structures. These features contributed to G/GAs being promising adsorbents for the removal of CO2 (76.5 mg g−1 at 298 K), CH4 (16.8 mg g−1 at 298 K), and H2 (12.1 mg g−1 at 77 K). G/GAs presented excellent electrochemical performance, featuring a high specific capacitance of 305.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and good cyclic stability of 98.5% retention after 10,000 consecutive charge-discharge cycles at 10 A g−1. This study provided an efficient approach for preparing graphene aerogels exhibiting hierarchical porosity for gas adsorption and supercapacitors.
Unaccompanied Minors: Worldwide Research Perspectives
Authors: Salmerón-Manzano Esther , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: December 2018

Due to the globalisation of the economy, migratory flows have increased significantly. Unaccompanied foreign minors have become a growing problem in recent years. The objective of this study is to make an analysis from a bibliometric point of view and to identify the main research trends concerning this topic by clusters identification. It has been observed that, above all, there are two main subjects that dominate the scientific literature in this field, the social sciences and medicine. The first one is the clearest in terms of legal and political implications, but the second one is related to the field of determining the age of minors by means of diagnostic tests. As to clusters, the following have been identified: First as a refugee–asylum seeker, second as a refugees–psychology, third as migration, fourth as age determination, and fifth as health care. Finally, the following temporal evolution of the issues dealt with in relation to unaccompanied minors has been observed: War, stress, migration, immigration, risk factors, health, legal aspects and, more recently, vaccination or age determination.
The Experience of Srividya at Devipuram
Authors: Rao Mani
Published: December 2018

This essay discusses the religious experience of Srividya practices at Devipuram in Andhra Pradesh, South India, based on ethnographic studies conducted in 2014 and 2015. A summary of phenomena described by Amritanandanatha Saraswati in his memoirs situates the background. Interviews with three disciples of Amritananda probe their visionary experiences, practical methodologies and relationships with the Goddess. An inter-textual study of interviews, memoirs and narratives helps identify a theme of vision and embodiment—in particular, the aniconic graphic form of the Goddess, the Sriyantra, which is experienced as embodied within the practitioner.
The Sociology of Religion in a Post-Colonial Era: Towards Theoretical Reflexivity
Authors: Spickard James V.
Published: December 2018

This article makes two points. First, it argues that sociology, like all knowledge, is shaped, though not determined, by its historical-cultural origins. Early sociology arose in 19th-century Europe and its core concepts were shaped by that era—both in what they reveal about society and what they hide. We now realize this, so we sociologists of religion need to examine our inherited concepts to understand those concepts’ limitations. We also need to include an analysis of the way the current historical-cultural situation shapes sociology today. This is the theoretical reflexivity called for in the title. Second, the article argues that expanding sociology’s conceptual canon to include insights from other historical-cultural locations is more than just an ethical matter. It is also epistemological. Sociology does not make progress unless it includes insights from as many standpoints as possible. This does not mean that all insights are equal. It does mean that all have the potential to improve sociological understanding. Whether or not they actually do so is a matter for the scientific process to decide.
Estimating the Impact of Global Navigation Satellite System Horizontal Delay Gradients in Variational Data Assimilation
Authors: Zus Florian , Douša Jan , Kačmařík Michal , Václavovic Pavel , Dick Galina , Wickert Jens
Published: December 2018

We developed operators to assimilate Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Zenith Total Delays (ZTDs) and horizontal delay gradients into a numerical weather model. In this study we experiment with refractivity fields derived from the Global Forecast System (GFS) available with a horizontal resolution of 0.5°. We begin our investigations with simulated observations. In essence, we extract the tropospheric parameters from the GFS analysis, add noise to mimic observation errors and assimilate the simulated observations into the GFS 24h forecast valid at the same time. We consider three scenarios: (1) the assimilation of ZTDs (2) the assimilation of horizontal delay gradients and (3) the assimilation of both ZTDs and horizontal delay gradients. The impact is measured by utilizing the refractivity fields. We find that the assimilation of the horizontal delay gradients in addition to the ZTDs improves the refractivity field around 800 hPa. When we consider a single station there is a clear improvement when horizontal delay gradients are assimilated in addition to the ZTDs because the horizontal delay gradients contain information that is not contained in the ZTDs. On the other hand, when we consider a dense station network there is not a significant improvement when horizontal delay gradients are assimilated in addition to the ZTDs because the horizontal delay gradients do not contain information that is not already contained in the ZTDs. Finally, we replace simulated by real observations, that is, tropospheric parameters from a Precise Point Positioning solution provided with the G-Nut/Tefnut software, in order to show that the GFS 24h forecast is indeed improved when GNSS horizontal delay gradients are assimilated in addition to GNSS ZTDs; for the considered station (Potsdam, Germany) and period (June and July, 2017) we find an improvement in the retrieved refractivity of up to 4%.
Forest Height Estimation Based on Constrained Gaussian Vertical Backscatter Model Using Multi-Baseline P-Band Pol-InSAR Data
Authors: Sun Xiaofan , Wang Bingnan , Xiang Maosheng , Jiang Shuai , Fu Xikai
Published: December 2018

In the case of low frequencies (e.g., P-band) radar observations, the Gaussian Vertical Backscatter (GVB) model, a model that takes into account the vertical heterogeneity of the wave-canopy interactions, can describe the forest vertical backscatter profile (VBP) more accurately. However, the GVB model is highly complex, seriously reducing the inversion efficiency because of a number of variables. Given that concern, this paper proposes a constrained Gaussian Vertical Backscatter (CGVB) model to reduce the complexity of the GVB model by establishing a constraint relationship between forest height and the backscattering vertical fluctuation (BVF) of the GVB model. The CGVB model takes into account the influence of incidence angle on scattering mechanisms. The BVF of VBP described by the CGVB model is expressed with forest height and a polynomial function of incidence angle. In order to build the CGVB model, this paper proposes the supervised learning based on RANSAC (SLBR). The proposed SLBR method used forest height as a prior knowledge to determine the function of incidence angle in the CGVB model. In this process, the Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) method is applied to perform function fitting. Before building the CGVB model, iterative weighted complex least squares (IWCLS) is employed to extract the required volume coherence. Based on the CGVB model, forest height estimation was obtained by nonlinear least squares optimization. E-SAR P-band polarimetric interferometric synthetic aperture radar (Pol-InSAR) data acquired during the BIOSAR 2008 campaign was used to test the performance of the proposed CGVB model. It can be observed that, compared with Random Volume over Ground (RVoG) model, the proposed CGVB model improves the estimation accuracy of the areas with incidence angle less than 0.8 rad and less than 0.6 rad by 28.57 % and 40.35 % , respectively.
Cloud Detection for FY Meteorology Satellite Based on Ensemble Thresholds and Random Forests Approach
Authors: Fu Hualian , Shen Yuan , Liu Jun , He Guangjun , Chen Jinsong , Liu Ping , Qian Jing , Li Jun
Published: December 2018

Cloud detection is the first step for the practical processing of meteorology satellite images, and also determines the accuracy of subsequent applications. For Chinese FY serial satellite, the National Meteorological Satellite Center (NSMC) officially provides the cloud detection products. In practical applications, there still are some misdetection regions. Therefore, this paper proposes a cloud detection method trying to improve NSMC’s products based on ensemble threshold and random forest. The binarization is firstly performed using ten threshold methods of the first infrared band and visible channel of the image, and the binarized images are obtained by the voting strategy. Secondly, the binarized images of the two channels are combined to form an ensemble threshold image. Then the middle part of the ensemble threshold image and the upper and lower margins of NSMC’s cloud detection result are used as the sample collection source data for the random forest. Training samples rely only on source image data at one moment, and then the trained random forest model is applied to images of other times to obtain the final cloud detection results. This method performs well on FY-2G images and can effectively detect incorrect areas of the cloud detection products of the NSMC. The accuracy of the algorithm is evaluated by manually labeled ground truth using different methods and objective evaluation indices including Probability of Detection (POD), False Alarm Rate (FAR), Critical Success Index (CSI) and the average and standard deviation of all indices. The accuracy results show that the proposed method performs better than the other methods with less incorrect detection regions. Though the proposed approach is simple enough, it is a useful attempt to improve the cloud detection result, and there is plenty of room for further improvement.
A Multi-Platform Hydrometeorological Analysis of the Flash Flood Event of 15 November 2017 in Attica, Greece
Authors: Varlas George , Anagnostou Marios , Spyrou Christos , Papadopoulos Anastasios , Kalogiros John , Mentzafou Angeliki , Michaelides Silas , Baltas Evangelos , Karymbalis Efthimios , Katsafados Petros
Published: December 2018

Urban areas often experience high precipitation rates and heights associated with flash flood events. Atmospheric and hydrological models in combination with remote-sensing and surface observations are used to analyze these phenomena. This study aims to conduct a hydrometeorological analysis of a flash flood event that took place in the sub-urban area of Mandra, western Attica, Greece, using remote-sensing observations and the Chemical Hydrological Atmospheric Ocean Wave System (CHAOS) modeling system that includes the Advanced Weather Research Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model and the hydrological model (WRF-Hydro). The flash flood was caused by a severe storm during the morning of 15 November 2017 around Mandra area resulting in extensive damages and 24 fatalities. The X-band dual-polarization (XPOL) weather radar of the National Observatory of Athens (NOA) observed precipitation rates reaching 140 mm/h in the core of the storm. CHAOS simulation unveils the persistent orographic convergence of humid southeasterly airflow over Pateras mountain as the dominant parameter for the evolution of the storm. WRF-Hydro simulated the flood using three different precipitation estimations as forcing data, obtained from the CHAOS simulation (CHAOS-hydro), the XPOL weather radar (XPOL-hydro) and the Global Precipitation Measurement (GMP)/Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) satellite dataset (GPM/IMERG-hydro). The findings indicate that GPM/IMERG-hydro underestimated the flood magnitude. On the other hand, XPOL-hydro simulation resulted to discharge about 115 m3/s and water level exceeding 3 m in Soures and Agia Aikaterini streams, which finally inundated. CHAOS-hydro estimated approximately the half water level and even lower discharge compared to XPOL-hydro simulation. Comparing site-detailed post-surveys of flood extent, XPOL-hydro is characterized by overestimation while CHAOS-hydro and GPM/IMERG-hydro present underestimation. However, CHAOS-hydro shows enough skill to simulate the flooded areas despite the forecast inaccuracies of numerical weather prediction. Overall, the simulation results demonstrate the potential benefit of using high-resolution observations from a X-band dual-polarization radar as an additional forcing component in model precipitation simulations.
A Fluorescence Sensing Determination of 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol Based on Cationic Water-Soluble Pillar[6]arene Graphene Nanocomposite
Authors: Tan Xiaoping , Zhang Tingying , Zeng Wenjie , He Shuhua , Liu Xi , Tian Hexiang , Shi Jianwei , Cao Tuanwu
Published: December 2018

We describe a selective and sensitive fluorescence platform for the detection of trinitrophenol (TNP) based on competitive host–guest recognition between pyridine-functionalized pillar[6]arene (PCP6) and a probe (acridine orange, AO) that used PCP6-functionalized reduced graphene (PCP6-rGO) as the receptor. TNP is an electron-deficient and negative molecule, which is captured by PCP6 via electrostatic interactions and π–π interactions. Therefore, a selective and sensitive fluorescence probe for TNP detection is developed. It has a low detection limit of 0.0035 μM (S/N = 3) and a wider linear response of 0.01–5.0 and 5.0–125.0 for TNP. The sensing platform is also used to test TNP in two water and soil samples with satisfying results. This suggests that this approach has potential applications for the determination of TNP.
Design and Testing of a Co-Rotating Vibration Excitation System
Authors: Filippatos Angelos , Wollmann Tino , Nguyen Minh , Kostka Pawel , Dannemann Martin , Langkamp Albert , Salles Loic , Gude Maik
Published: December 2018

A vibration excitation system (VES) in a form of an active coupling is proposed, designed and manufactured. The system is equipped with a set of piezoelectric stack actuators uniformly distributed around the rotor axis and positioned parallel to each other. The actuator arrangement allows an axial displacement of the coupling halves as well as their rotation about any transverse axis. Through the application of the VES an aimed vibration excitation is realised in a co-rotating coordinate system, which enables a non-invasive and precise modal analysis of rotating components. As an example, the VES is applied for the characterisation of the structural dynamic behaviour of a generic steel rotor at different rotational speeds. The first results are promising for both stationary and rotating conditions.
Research on a 3D Encapsulation Technique for Capacitive MEMS Sensors Based on Through Silicon Via
Authors: Zhang Meng , Yang Jian , He Yurong , Yang Fan , Yang Fuhua , Han Guowei , Si Chaowei , Ning Jin
Published: December 2018

A novel three-dimensional (3D) hermetic packaging technique suitable for capacitive microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors is studied. The composite substrate with through silicon via (TSV) is used as the encapsulation cap fabricated by a glass-in-silicon (GIS) reflow process. In particular, the low-resistivity silicon pillars embedded in the glass cap are designed to serve as the electrical feedthrough and the fixed capacitance plate at the same time to simplify the fabrication process and improve the reliability. The fabrication process and the properties of the encapsulation cap were studied systematically. The resistance of the silicon vertical feedthrough was measured to be as low as 263.5 mΩ, indicating a good electrical interconnection property. Furthermore, the surface root-mean-square (RMS) roughnesses of glass and silicon were measured to be 1.12 nm and 0.814 nm, respectively, which were small enough for the final wafer bonding process. Anodic bonding between the encapsulation cap and the silicon wafer with sensing structures was conducted in a vacuum to complete the hermetic encapsulation. The proposed packaging scheme was successfully applied to a capacitive gyroscope. The quality factor of the packaged gyroscope achieved above 220,000, which was at least one order of magnitude larger than that of the unpackaged. The validity of the proposed packaging scheme could be verified. Furthermore, the packaging failure was less than 1%, which demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of the technique for high-performance MEMS vacuum packaging.
On Metric Dimension in Some Hex Derived Networks
Authors: Shao Zehui , Wu Pu , Zhu Enqiang , Chen Lanxiang
Published: December 2018

The concept of a metric dimension was proposed to model robot navigation where the places of navigating agents can change among nodes. The metric dimension m d ( G ) of a graph G is the smallest number k for which G contains a vertex set W, such that | W | = k and every pair of vertices of G possess different distances to at least one vertex in W. In this paper, we demonstrate that m d ( H D N 1 ( n ) ) = 4 for n ≥ 2 . This indicates that in these types of hex derived sensor networks, the least number of nodes needed for locating any other node is four.