bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SSRIs and SNRIs (SRI) in Pregnancy: Effects on the Course of Pregnancy and the Offspring: How Far Are We from Having All the Answers?
Authors: Ornoy Asher , Koren Gideon
Published: May 2019

Serotonin has important roles in the development of the brain and other organs. Manipulations of synaptic serotonin by drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) might alter their development and function. Of interest, most studies on the outcome of prenatal exposure to SRI in human have not found significant embryonic or fetal damage, except for a possible, slight increase in cardiac malformations. In up to a third of newborns exposed to SRI, exposure may induce transient neonatal behavioral changes (poor neonatal adaptation) and increased rate of persistent pulmonary hypertension. Prenatal SRI may also cause slight motor delay and language impairment but these are transient. The data on the possible association of prenatal SRIs with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are inconsistent, and seem to be related to pre-pregnancy treatment or to maternal depression. Prenatal SRIs also appear to affect the hypothalamic hypophyseal adrenal (HPA) axis inducing epigenetic changes, but the long-term consequences of these effects on humans are as yet unknown. SRIs are metabolized in the liver by several cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Faster metabolism of most SRIs in late pregnancy leads to lower maternal concentrations, and thus potentially to decreased efficacy which is more prominent in women that are rapid metabolizers. Studies suggest that the serotonin transporter SLC6A4 promoter is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes after SRI exposure. Since maternal depression may adversely affect the child’s development, one has to consider the risk of SRI discontinuation on the fetus and the child. As with any drug treatment in pregnancy, the benefits to the mother should be considered versus the possible hazards to the developing embryo/fetus.
Curcumin Treatment in Combination with Glucose Restriction Inhibits Intracellular Alkalinization and Tumor Growth in Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Kim So Won , Cha Min-Ji , Lee Seul-Ki , Song Byeong-Wook , Jin Xinghai , Lee Jae Myun , Park Jeon Han , Lee Jong Doo
Published: May 2019

Dysregulation of cellular energy metabolism is closely linked to cancer development and progression. Calorie or glucose restriction (CR or GR) inhibits energy-dependent pathways, including IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR, in cancer cells. However, alterations in proton dynamics and reversal of the pH gradient across the cell membrane, which results in intracellular alkalinization and extracellular acidification in cancer tissues, have emerged as important etiopathogenic factors. We measured glucose, lactate, and ATP production after GR, plant-derived CR-mimetic curcumin treatment, and curcumin plus GR in human hepatoma cells. Intracellular pH regulatory effects, in particular, protein–protein interactions within mTOR complex-1 and its structural change, were investigated. Curcumin treatment or GR mildly inhibited Na+/H+ exchanger-1 (NHE1). vATPase, monocarboxylate transporter (MCT)-1, and MCT4 level. Combination treatment with curcumin and GR further enhanced the inhibitory effects on these transporters and proton-extruding enzymes, with intracellular pH reduction. ATP and lactate production decreased according to pH change. Modeling of mTOR protein revealed structural changes upon treatments, and curcumin plus GR decreased binding of Raptor and GβL to mTOR, as well as of Rag A and Rag B to Raptor. Consequently, 4EBP1 phosphorylation was decreased and cell migration and proliferation were inhibited in a pH-dependent manner. Autophagy was increased by curcumin plus GR. In conclusion, curcumin treatment combined with GR may be a useful supportive approach for preventing intracellular alkalinization and cancer progression.
Overexpression of a Wheat Aquaporin Gene, TdPIP2;1, Enhances Salt and Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Durum Wheat cv. Maali
Authors: Ayadi Malika , Brini Faiçal , Masmoudi Khaled
Published: May 2019

In this study, we generated transgenic durum wheat cv. Maali overexpressing the wheat plasma membrane aquaporin TdPIP2;1 gene under the control of PrTdPIP2;1 promoter or under the constitutive PrCaMV35S promoter. Histochemical analysis of the fusion PrTdPIP2;1::TdPIP2;1::GusA in wheat plants showed that the β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity was detected in the leaves, stems and roots of stably transformed wheat T3 plants. Our results showed that transgenic wheat lines overexpressing the TdPIP2;1 gene exhibited improved germination rates and biomass production and retained low Na+ and high K+ concentrations in their shoots under high salt and osmotic stress conditions. In a long-term study under greenhouse conditions on salt or drought stress, transgenic TdPIP2;1 lines produced filled grains, whereas wild-type (WT) plants either died at the vegetative stage under salt stress or showed drastically reduced grain filling under drought stress. Performing real time RT-PCR experiments on wheat plants transformed with the fusion PrTdPIP2;1::GusA, we showed an increase in the accumulation of GusA transcripts in the roots of plants challenged with salt and drought stress. Study of the antioxidant defence system in transgenic wheat TdPIP2;1 lines showed that these lines induced the antioxidative enzymes Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities more efficiently than the WT plants, which is associated with lower malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents. Taken together, these results indicate the high potential of the TdPIP2;1 gene for reducing water evaporation from leaves (water loss) in response to water deficit through the lowering of transpiration per unit leaf area (stomatal conductance) and engineering effective drought and salt tolerance in transgenic TdPIP2;1 lines.
Integration of mRNA and miRNA Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism Underlying Salt and Alkali Stress Tolerance in Tobacco
Authors: Xu Jiayang , Chen Qiansi , Liu Pingping , Jia Wei , Chen Zheng , Xu Zicheng
Published: May 2019

Salinity is one of the most severe forms of abiotic stress and affects crop yields worldwide. Plants respond to salinity stress via a sophisticated mechanism at the physiological, transcriptional and metabolic levels. However, the molecular regulatory networks involved in salt and alkali tolerance have not yet been elucidated. We developed an RNA-seq technique to perform mRNA and small RNA (sRNA) sequencing of plants under salt (NaCl) and alkali (NaHCO3) stress in tobacco. Overall, 8064 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 33 differentially expressed microRNAs (DE miRNAs) were identified in response to salt and alkali stress. A total of 1578 overlapping DEGs, which exhibit the same expression patterns and are involved in ion channel, aquaporin (AQP) and antioxidant activities, were identified. Furthermore, genes involved in several biological processes, such as “photosynthesis” and “starch and sucrose metabolism,” were specifically enriched under NaHCO3 treatment. We also identified 15 and 22 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in response to NaCl and NaHCO3, respectively. Analysis of inverse correlations between miRNAs and target mRNAs revealed 26 mRNA-miRNA interactions under NaCl treatment and 139 mRNA-miRNA interactions under NaHCO3 treatment. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of tobacco to salinity stress.
Teaching HCI Skills in Higher Education through Game Design: A Study of Students’ Perceptions
Authors: Santana-Mancilla Pedro C. , Rodriguez-Ortiz Miguel A. , Garcia-Ruiz Miguel A. , Gaytan-Lugo Laura S. , Fajardo-Flores Silvia B. , Contreras-Castillo Juan
Published: May 2019

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is an area with a wide range of concepts and knowledge. Therefore, a need to innovate in the teaching-learning processes to achieve an effective education arises. This article describes a proposal for teaching HCI through the development of projects that allow students to acquire higher education competencies through the design and evaluation of computer games. Finally, an empirical validation (questionnaires and case study) with 40 undergraduate students (studying their fifth semester of software engineering) was applied at the end of the semester. The results indicated that this teaching method provides the students with the HCI skills (psychology of everyday things, involving users, task-centered system design, models of human behavior, creativity and metaphors, and graphical screen design) and, more importantly, they have a positive perception on the efficacy of the use of videogame design in a higher education course.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor May Regulate Glucose Homeostasis through the Induction of Interleukin-6 and Glucagon-Like peptide-1 in Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Goto Rieko , Kondo Tatsuya , Ono Kaoru , Kitano Sayaka , Miyakawa Nobukazu , Watanabe Takuro , Sakaguchi Masaji , Sato Miki , Igata Motoyuki , Kawashima Junji , Motoshima Hiroyuki , Matsumura Takeshi , Shimoda Seiya , Araki Eiichi
Published: May 2019

Because the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system influences glucose homeostasis, the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signal in pancreatic islets may regulate insulin response upon glucose load. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) production is stimulated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) in pancreatic α-cells. To determine how glucose homeostasis is regulated by interactions of MR, IL-6 and GLP-1 in islets, we performed glucose tolerance and histological analysis of islets in primary aldosteronism (PA) model rodents and conducted in vitro experiments using α-cell lines. We measured active GLP-1 concentration in primary aldosteronism (PA) patients before and after the administration of MR antagonist eplerenone. In PA model rodents, aldosterone decreased insulin-secretion and the islet/pancreas area ratio and eplerenone added on aldosterone (E+A) restored those with induction of IL-6 in α-cells. In α-cells treated with E+A, IL-6 and GLP-1 concentrations were increased, and anti-apoptotic signals were enhanced. The E+A-treatment also significantly increased MR and IL-6 mRNA and these upregulations were blunted by MR silencing using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Transcriptional activation of the IL-6 gene promoter by E+A-treatment required an intact MR binding element in the promoter. Active GLP-1 concentration was significantly increased in PA patients after eplerenone treatment. MR signal in α-cells may stimulate IL-6 production and increase GLP-1 secretion, thus protecting pancreatic β-cells and improving glucose homeostasis.
Contribution of Epithelial Plasticity to Therapy Resistance
Authors: Santamaría Patricia G. , Moreno-Bueno Gema , Cano Amparo
Published: May 2019

Therapy resistance is responsible for tumour recurrence and represents one of the major challenges in present oncology. Significant advances have been made in the understanding of the mechanisms underlying resistance to conventional and targeted therapies improving the clinical management of relapsed patients. Unfortunately, in too many cases, resistance reappears leading to a fatal outcome. The recent introduction of immunotherapy regimes has provided an unprecedented success in the treatment of specific cancer types; however, a good percentage of patients do not respond to immune-based treatments or ultimately become resistant. Cellular plasticity, cancer cell stemness and tumour heterogeneity have emerged as important determinants of treatment resistance. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with resistance in many different cellular and preclinical models, although little evidence derives directly from clinical samples. The recognition of the presence in tumours of intermediate hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal states as the most likely manifestation of epithelial plasticity and their potential link to stemness and tumour heterogeneity, provide new clues to understanding resistance and could be exploited in the search for anti-resistance strategies. Here, recent evidence linking EMT/epithelial plasticity to resistance against conventional, targeted and immune therapy are summarized. In addition, future perspectives for related clinical approaches are also discussed.
On the Statistical Size Effect of Cast Aluminium
Authors: Aigner Roman , Pomberger Sebastian , Leitner Martin , Stoschka Michael
Published: May 2019

Manufacturing process based imperfections can reduce the theoretical fatigue strength since they can be considered as pre-existent microcracks. The statistical distribution of fatigue fracture initiating defect sizes also varies with the highly-stressed volume, since the probability of a larger highly-stressed volume to inherit a potentially critical defect is elevated. This fact is widely known by the scientific community as the statistical size effect. The assessment of this effect within this paper is based on the statistical distribution of defect sizes in a reference volume V 0 compared to an arbitrary enlarged volume V α . By implementation of the crack resistance curve in the Kitagawa–Takahashi diagram, a fatigue assessment model, based on the volume-dependent probability of occurrence of inhomogeneities, is set up, leading to a multidimensional fatigue assessment map. It is shown that state-of-the-art methodologies for the evaluation of the statistical size effect can lead to noticeable over-sizing in fatigue design of approximately 10 % . On the other hand, the presented approach, which links the statistically based distribution of defect sizes in an arbitrary highly-stressed volume to a crack-resistant dependent Kitagawa–Takahashi diagram leads to a more accurate fatigue design with a maximal conservative deviation of 5 % to the experimental validation data. Therefore, the introduced fatigue assessment map improves fatigue design considering the statistical size effect of lightweight aluminium cast alloys.
Macroporous Polymer–Protein Hybrid Materials for Antibody Purification by Combination of Reactive Gelation and Click-Chemistry
Authors: Lorenz Marcel , Paganini Carolina , Storti Giuseppe , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: May 2019

Clickable core-shell nanoparticles based on poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene-co-vinylbenzylazide) have been synthesized via emulsion polymerization. The 38 nm sized particles have been swollen by divinyl benzene (DVB) and 2,2’-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) and subsequently processed under high shear rates in a Z-shaped microchannel giving macroporous microclusters (100 µm), through the reactive gelation process. The obtained clusters were post-functionalized by “click-chemistry” with propargyl-PEG-NHS-ester and propargylglicidyl ether, yielding epoxide or NHS-ester activated polymer supports for bioconjugation. Macroporous affinity materials for antibody capturing were produced by immobilizing recombinant Staphylococcus aureus protein A on the polymeric support. Coupling chemistry exploiting thiol-epoxide ring-opening reactions with cysteine-containing protein A revealed up to three times higher binding capacities compared to the protein without cysteine. Despite the lower binding capacities compared to commercial affinity phases, the produced polymer–protein hybrids can serve as stationary phases for immunoglobulin affinity chromatography as the materials revealed superior intra-particle mass transports.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Study Using Oblique Angle Deposition of Ag Using Different Substrates
Authors: Lee Jaeyeong , Min Kyungchan , Kim Youngho , Yu Hak Ki
Published: May 2019

The oblique angle deposition of Ag with different deposition rates and substrates was studied for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) efficiency. The deposition rate for the Ag substrate with maximum SERS efficiency was optimized to 2.4 Å/s. We also analyzed the morphology of Ag nanorods deposited at the same rate on various substrates and compared their SERS intensities. Ag deposited on SiO2, sapphire, and tungsten showed straight nanorods shape and showed relatively high SERS efficiency. However, Ag deposited on graphene or plasma-treated SiO2 substrate was slightly or more aggregated (due to high surface energy) and showed low SERS efficiency.
Flow Field, Temperature Field, and Inclusion Removal in a New Induction Heating Tundish with Bent Channels
Authors: Xing Fei , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Zonghui , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: May 2019

In order to study the flow field, temperature field, and inclusion removal in a new induction heating tundish with bent channels, a three-dimensional (3D) transient mathematical model is established. The effects of both the channel radius and heating power on the multi-physical field and inclusion removal in the bent channels’ induction heating tundish are investigated. The results show that the tundish with the channel radius of 3 m shows better flow characteristics than those with the channel radii of 4 m and 2 m. With the increase of channel length, the heating efficiency increases at first, and then decreases, while the radius of 3 m is the best one for heating efficiency. After all the inclusions are placed into the tundish, the radii of 3 m and 2 m show good efficiency regarding inclusion removal, while it is poor when the radius is 4 m. Therefore, 3 m is the optimal radius of the channel in this work. Under the optimal channel radius, the heating power of 800 kW seems better than those of 600 kW and 1000 kW on flow characteristics control in the tundish. The temperature in the receiving chamber rises gradually and distributes quite uniformly with the increasing heating power, and the removal rate of inclusions increases with the increasing heating power.
Research on AZ80 + 0.4%Ce (wt %) Ultra-Thin-Walled Tubes of Magnesium Alloys: The Forming Process, Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Yan Zhaoming , Fang Min , Lian Zhendong , Zhang Zhimin , Zhu Jiaxuan , Zhang Guanshi , Wang Yiding
Published: May 2019

Ultra-thin-walled tubes of magnesium alloys have received more and more attention in producing precision components for medical devices. Therefore, thin-walled tubes with high quality are desperately needed. In this study, the process of multi-pass variable wall thickness extrusion was carried out on an AZ80 + 0.4%Ce Mg alloy with up to five passes—one-pass backward extrusion and four-pass extension—to fabricate the seamless thin-walled tube with an inside diameter of 6.0 mm and a wall thickness of 0.6 mm. The average grain size decreased from 46.3 μm to 8.9 μm at the appropriate deformation temperature of 350 °C with the punch speed of 0.1 mm/s. X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the Vickers hardness (HV) tester were utilized to study the phases, microstructure, and hardness evolution. It can be observed that low deformation temperatures (240 °C and 270 °C) and low strain (1 pass extrusion and 1 pass extension) lead to twins that occupy the grains to coordinate deformation, and a slip system was activated with the accumulation of strain. The results of the Vickers hardness test showed that twinning, precipitation of second phases, twinning dynamic recrystallization (TDRX), and work hardening were combined to change the hardness of tubes at 240 °C and 270 °C. The hardness reached 93 HV after the third pass extension without annealing at 350 °C.
Process Engineering Accelerating an Economic Industrialization Towards a Bio-Based World
Authors: Uhlenbrock Lukas , Ditz Reinhard , Strube Jochen
Published: May 2019

The transition towards a bio-based world is a challenging undertaking. This perspective paper, from an engineering point of view, aims to provide an overview of existing projects and academic disciplines highlighting the potential benefit of increased interdisciplinary exchanges. Furthermore, the current utilization of biomass to produce biogas is discussed, including an economic assessment, showing the need for new strategies of biomass valorization. One solution could be the development of separation processes for the isolation of secondary plant metabolites, which have been especially valuable for pharmaceutical applications, e.g., taxotere ® and artemisinin. The economic feasibility is demonstrated in a case study, evaluating the purification potential of curcuminoids from Curcuma longa L. Subsequently, the conclusion discusses the limitations of large-scale industrial applications and the need for new separation techniques as a step towards a bio-based world.
Peptide Conjugates with Small Molecules Designed to Enhance Efficacy and Safety
Authors: He Rongjun , Finan Brian , Mayer John P. , DiMarchi Richard D.
Published: May 2019

Peptides constitute molecular diversity with unique molecular mechanisms of action that are proven indispensable in the management of many human diseases, but of only a mere fraction relative to more traditional small molecule-based medicines. The integration of these two therapeutic modalities offers the potential to enhance and broaden pharmacology while minimizing dose-dependent toxicology. This review summarizes numerous advances in drug design, synthesis and development that provide direction for next-generation research endeavors in this field. Medicinal studies in this area have largely focused upon the application of peptides to selectively enhance small molecule cytotoxicity to more effectively treat multiple oncologic diseases. To a lesser and steadily emerging extent peptides are being therapeutically employed to complement and diversify the pharmacology of small molecule drugs in diseases other than just cancer. No matter the disease, the purpose of the molecular integration remains constant and it is to achieve superior therapeutic outcomes with diminished adverse effects. We review linker technology and conjugation chemistries that have enabled integrated and targeted pharmacology with controlled release. Finally, we offer our perspective on opportunities and obstacles in the field.
Black Ginseng and Its Saponins: Preparation, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Effects
Authors: Metwaly Ahmed M. , Lianlian Zhu , Luqi Huang , Deqiang Dou
Published: May 2019

Black ginseng is a type of processed ginseng that is prepared from white or red ginseng by steaming and drying several times. This process causes extensive changes in types and amounts of secondary metabolites. The chief secondary metabolites in ginseng are ginsenosides (dammarane-type triterpene saponins), which transform into less polar ginsenosides in black ginseng by steaming. In addition, apparent changes happen to other secondary metabolites such as the increase in the contents of phenolic compounds, reducing sugars and acidic polysaccharides in addition to the decrease in concentrations of free amino acids and total polysaccharides. Furthermore, the presence of some Maillard reaction products like maltol was also engaged. These obvious chemical changes were associated with a noticeable superiority for black ginseng over white and red ginseng in most of the comparative biological studies. This review article is an attempt to illustrate different methods of preparation of black ginseng, major chemical changes of saponins and other constituents after steaming as well as the reported biological activities of black ginseng, its major saponins and other metabolites.
Ultrasonic Degradation of Konjac Glucomannan and the Effect of Freezing Combined with Alkali Treatment on Their Rheological Profiles
Authors: Zhu Bo , Xin Chen , Li Jing , Li Bin
Published: May 2019

The effect of freezing combined with alkali treatment on physicochemical property of konjac glucomannan (KGM) with different molecular weight was investigated in this work. The properties and structure of degraded KGM was characterized by means of intrinsic viscosity measurement, atomic force microscope (AFM) and Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR). The results suggested that the intrinsic viscosity of KGM solution gradually decreased during the ultrasonic treatment. The AFM observation indicated that KGM with lower viscosity average molecular weight had smaller height and lateral diameter of molecules. The main repeating units of the KGM chain could not be destroyed no matter how long the KGM was sonicated. Rheometrical studies revealed that with increasing alkali concentration from 0% to 0.36%, both viscosities and shear stress of deacetylated konjac glucomannan (Da-KGM) system were increased and moduli G′ were substantially higher in either freezing or unfreezing samples. Da-KGM system performed a solid-like behavior (G′ > G′′) along the frequency range after freezing treatment. With increasing sonication time, both viscosity and shear stress of unfreezing samples were decreased while had an inverse effect for freezing treated samples. The modulus G′ and G′′ declined for unfreezing samples but rise significantly for freezing treated samples with increase of sonication time.
Asynchronous Evolution of Nanoporous Silver on Dual-Phase Ag–Sn Alloys by Potentiostatic Dealloying in Hydrochloric Acid Solution
Authors: Yang Yulin , Dan Zhenhua , Liang Yongfeng , Wang Ying , Qin Fengxiang , Chang Hui
Published: May 2019

Evolution behavior of the nanoporous architectures has been investigated via potentiostatic electrochemical dealloying of dual-phase AgxSn100−x (x = 20, 30, 40 at.%) alloys, which consist of β-Sn and ε-Ag3Sn phases with different volume fractions in 1.2 M HCl solution. The results show that the open-circuit potentials and corrosion potentials of dual-phase Ag–Sn alloys are determined by the less noble β-Sn phases rather than chemical compositions of the Ag–Sn precursor alloys. The potentiodynamic polarization curves show that the anodic dissolution of Ag–Sn alloys is divided into two stages including the first preferential dissolution of β-Sn phases and secondary dealloying of ε-Ag3Sn phases, which is associated with the order of the nanoporous evolution. Nanoporous silver (NPS) can be fabricated by potentiostatic dealloying of dual-phase Ag–Sn alloys in HCl solution. The dealloying of two phases is asynchronous: The less noble β-Sn phases are preferentially etched to generate the larger pores, and then the more noble ε-Ag3Sn phases are dealloyed to form the finer nanoporous structure. The significant surface diffusion of Ag adatoms at the applied potential higher than the pitting potential of ε-Ag3Sn phases during the dealloying results in the coarsening of nanoporous ligaments with a time dependence of d(t) ∝ t0.1. The fractions and the difference in electrochemical stabilities of the β-Sn and ε-Ag3Sn phases in dual-phase AgxSn100−x (x = 20, 30, 40 at.%) precursor alloys determines the final nanoporous structure.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Telle-Hansen Vibeke H. , Gaundal Line , Myhrstad Mari C.W.
Published: May 2019

The impact of dietary fat on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been extensively studied in recent decades. Solid evidence indicates that replacing saturated fatty acids (SFAs) with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) decreases blood cholesterol levels and prevents CVD and CVD mortality. Studies indicate that fat quality also may affect insulin sensitivity and hence, the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). A high intake of SFAs has shown to increase the risk of T2D in prospective studies, while a high intake of PUFAs reduces the risk. Whether PUFAs from marine or vegetable sources affect glycemic regulation differently in T2D remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present review was therefore to summarize research on human randomized, controlled intervention studies investigating the effect of dietary PUFAs on glycemic regulation in T2D. About half of the studies investigating the effect of fish, fish oils, vegetable oils, or nuts found changes related to glycemic control in people with T2D, while the other half found no effects. Even though some of the studies used SFA as controls, the majority of the included studies compared PUFAs of different quality. Considering that both marine and vegetable oils are high in PUFAs and hence both oils may affect glycemic regulation, the lack of effect in several of the included studies may be explained by the use of an inappropriate control group. It is therefore not possible to draw a firm conclusion, and more studies are needed.
Preventive Effects of the Marine Microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Used as a Food Supplement, on Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Wistar Rats
Authors: Mayer Claire , Côme Martine , Ulmann Lionel , Chini Zittelli Graziella , Faraloni Cecilia , Nazih Hassan , Ouguerram Khadija , Chénais Benoît , Mimouni Virginie
Published: May 2019

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-3 series (n-3 LC-PUFA), are known for their preventive effects against cardiovascular disease. In an unfavourable economic and environmental context of fish oil production, marine microalgae could be an alternative source of n-3 LC-PUFA and are of interest for human nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of P. tricornutum, a microalga rich in eicosapentaenoic acid and used as a food supplement, on the metabolic disorders associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity development. Three male Wistar rat groups (n = 6) were submitted for eight weeks to a standard diet or high-fat diet (HF) with 10% fructose in drinking water, supplemented or not with 12% of P. tricornutum (HF-Phaeo). Supplementation led to n-3 LC-PUFA enrichment of lipids in the liver, plasma and erythrocytes. Plasma transaminases showed no difference between the HF and HF-Phaeo groups. Body weight, fat mass, inflammatory markers and insulinemia decreased in HF-Phaeo rats versus the HF group. Plasma total cholesterol, triacylglycerols and leptine diminished in HF-Phaeo rats, while HDL-cholesterol increased. In conclusion, this study highlights the beneficial effects of P. tricornutum in reducing the metabolic disorders associated with metabolic syndrome.
Effects of 12 Weeks of Hypertrophy Resistance Exercise Training Combined with Collagen Peptide Supplementation on the Skeletal Muscle Proteome in Recreationally Active Men
Authors: Oertzen-Hagemann Vanessa , Kirmse Marius , Eggers Britta , Pfeiffer Kathy , Marcus Katrin , de Marées Markus , Platen Petra
Published: May 2019

Evidence has shown that protein supplementation following resistance exercise training (RET) helps to further enhance muscle mass and strength. Studies have demonstrated that collagen peptides containing mostly non-essential amino acids increase fat-free mass (FFM) and strength in sarcopenic men. The aim of this study was to investigate whether collagen peptide supplementation in combination with RET influences the protein composition of skeletal muscle. Twenty-five young men (age: 24.2 ± 2.6 years, body mass (BM): 79.6 ± 5.6 kg, height: 185.0 ± 5.0 cm, fat mass (FM): 11.5% ± 3.4%) completed body composition and strength measurements and vastus lateralis biopsies were taken before and after a 12-week training intervention. In a double-blind, randomized design, subjects consumed either 15 g of specific collagen peptides (COL) or a non-caloric placebo (PLA) every day within 60 min after their training session. A full-body hypertrophy workout was completed three times per week and included four exercises using barbells. Muscle proteome analysis was performed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). BM and FFM increased significantly in COL compared with PLA, whereas no differences in FM were detected between the two groups. Both groups improved in strength levels, with a slightly higher increase in COL compared with PLA. In COL, 221 higher abundant proteins were identified. In contrast, only 44 proteins were of higher abundance in PLA. In contrast to PLA, the upregulated proteins in COL were mostly associated with the protein metabolism of the contractile fibers. In conclusion, the use of RET in combination with collagen peptide supplementation results in a more pronounced increase in BM, FFM, and muscle strength than RET alone. More proteins were upregulated in the COL intervention most of which were associated with contractile fibers.
Bypassing Osmotic Shock Dilemma in a Polystyrene Resin Using the Green Solvent Cyclopentyl methyl Ether (CPME): A Morphological Perspective
Authors: Al Musaimi Othman , El-Faham Ayman , Almarhoon Zainab , Basso Alessandra , de la Torre Beatriz G. , Albericio Fernando
Published: May 2019

The “osmotic shock” phenomenon is the main thing that is responsible for morphological structure alteration, which can jeopardize the use of a polymer in a chemical process. This is extremely important in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), which is the method of choice for the preparation of these important biologically active compounds. Herein, we have used Hildebrand solubility parameters (δ) to investigate the influence of different ethers that are used in the precipitation step of the SPPS using a polystyrene resin. The green cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) has shown to be slightly superior to 2-methyltetrahydrofurane, which is also a green ether and clearly better than the hazardous diethyl ether and tert-butyl methyl ether. These results have been corroborated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and computational studies. All together, these confirm the adequacy of CPME for being the ether of choice to be used in SPPS.
Modeling of Entangled Polymer Diffusion in Melts and Nanocomposites: A Review
Authors: Karatrantos Argyrios , Composto Russell J. , Winey Karen I. , Kröger Martin , Clarke Nigel
Published: May 2019

This review concerns modeling studies of the fundamental problem of entangled (reptational) homopolymer diffusion in melts and nanocomposite materials in comparison to experiments. In polymer melts, the developed united atom and multibead spring models predict an exponent of the molecular weight dependence to the polymer diffusion very similar to experiments and the tube reptation model. There are rather unexplored parameters that can influence polymer diffusion such as polymer semiflexibility or polydispersity, leading to a different exponent. Models with soft potentials or slip-springs can estimate accurately the tube model predictions in polymer melts enabling us to reach larger length scales and simulate well entangled polymers. However, in polymer nanocomposites, reptational polymer diffusion is more complicated due to nanoparticle fillers size, loading, geometry and polymer-nanoparticle interactions.
Morphology on Reaction Mechanism Dependency for Twin Polymerization
Authors: Prehl Janett , Huster Constantin
Published: May 2019

An in-depth knowledge of the structure formation process and the resulting dependency of the morphology on the reaction mechanism is a key requirement in order to design application-oriented materials. For twin polymerization, the basic idea of the reaction process is established, and important structural properties of the final nanoporous hybrid materials are known. However, the effects of changing the reaction mechanism parameters on the final morphology is still an open issue. In this work, the dependence of the morphology on the reaction mechanism is investigated based on a previously introduced lattice-based Monte Carlo method, the reactive bond fluctuation model. We analyze the effects of the model parameters, such as movability, attraction, or reaction probabilities on structural properties, like the specific surface area, the radial distribution function, the local porosity distribution, or the total fraction of percolating elements. From these examinations, we can identify key factors to adapt structural properties to fulfill desired requirements for possible applications. Hereby, we point out which implications theses parameter changes have on the underlying chemical structure.
“And Lo, As Luke Sets Down for Us”: Dante’s Re-Imagining of the Emmaus Story in Purgatorio XXIX–XXXIII
Authors: Rodeheffer Jane Kelley
Published: May 2019

This essay will suggest that Dante’s journey through the earthly paradise in the Purgatorio is a figural representation of the journey of Cleopas and the unnamed disciple on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. By making several references to the Gospel of Luke, Dante seems to be setting the stage for the reader to understand his own pilgrimage through the Garden of Eden as a retelling of the Emmaus story in the context of the Church Triumphant. Indeed, reading Luke 24 alongside Cantos XXIX–XXXI of the Purgatorio helps students to unpack the complex images of Dante’s experience in light of the themes present in the Emmaus story. For example, the concealment of Beatrice’s face and the gradual unveiling of her beauty mirrors Christ’s gradual revelation of his nature to Cleopas and the unnamed disciple. Cleopas and his companion also walk away from the promise of God revealed in Christ by leaving Jerusalem, just as Dante “took himself” from Beatrice and “set his steps upon an untrue way” (XXX 125, 130). In developing these and other parallels as well as elaborating on their significance for the latter cantos of the Purgatorio, this essay will attempt to establish a pedagogical approach to Books XXIX–XXX that draws on students’ recollections of the familiar Gospel text of Emmaus, which Dante clearly intends (among others) as a resource for appreciating his vision of an essential passage in Christian life.
An Effective Classification Scheme for Hyperspectral Image Based on Superpixel and Discontinuity Preserving Relaxation
Authors: Xie Fuding , Lei Cunkuan , Yang Jun , Jin Cui
Published: May 2019

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is one of the most active topics in remote sensing. However, it is still a nontrivial task to classify the hyperspectral data accurately, since HSI always suffers from a large number of noise pixels, the complexity of the spatial structure of objects and the spectral similarity between different objects. In this study, an effective classification scheme for hyperspectral image based on superpixel and discontinuity preserving relaxation (DPR) is proposed to discriminate land covers of interest. A novel technique for measuring the similarity of a pair of pixels in HSI is suggested to improve the simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC) algorithm. Unlike the existing application of SLIC technique to HSI, the improved SLIC algorithm can be directly used to segment HSI into superpixels without using principal component analysis in advance, and is free of parameters. Furthermore, the proposed three-step classification scheme explores how to effectively use the global spectral information and local spatial structure of hyperspectral data for HSI classification. Compared with the existing two-step classification framework, the use of DPR technology in preprocessing significantly improves the classification accuracy. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified on three public real hyperspectral datasets. The comparison results of several competitive methods show the superiority of this scheme.
Fitted PROSAIL Parameterization of Leaf Inclinations, Water Content and Brown Pigment Content for Winter Wheat and Maize Canopies
Authors: Danner Martin , Berger Katja , Wocher Matthias , Mauser Wolfram , Hank Tobias
Published: May 2019

Decades after release of the first PROSPECT + SAIL (commonly called PROSAIL) versions, the model is still the most famous representative in the field of canopy reflectance modelling and has been widely used to obtain plant biochemical and structural variables, particularly in the agricultural context. The performance of the retrieval is usually assessed by quantifying the distance between the estimated and the in situ measured variables. While this has worked for hundreds of studies that obtained canopy density as a one-sided Leaf Area Index (LAI) or pigment content, little is known about the role of the canopy geometrical properties specified as the Average Leaf Inclination Angle (ALIA). In this study, we exploit an extensive field dataset, including narrow-band field spectra, leaf variables and canopy properties recorded in seven individual campaigns for winter wheat (4x) and silage maize (3x). PROSAIL outputs generally did not represent field spectra well, when in situ variables served as input for the model. A manual fitting of ALIA and leaf water (EWT) revealed significant deviations for both variables (RMSE = 14.5°, 0.020 cm) and an additional fitting of the brown leaf pigments (Cbrown) was necessary to obtain matching spectra at the near infrared (NIR) shoulder. Wheat spectra tend to be underestimated by the model until the emergence of inflorescence when PROSAIL begins to overestimate crop reflectance. This seasonal pattern could be attributed to an attenuated development of ALIAopt compared to in situ measured ALIA. Segmentation of nadir images of wheat was further used to separate spectral contributors into dark background, ears and leaves + stalks. It could be shown that the share of visible fruit ears from nadir view correlates positively with the deviations between field spectral measurement and PROSAIL spectral outputs (R² = 0.78 for aggregation by phenological stages), indicating that retrieval errors increase for ripening stages. An appropriate model parameterization is recommended to assure accurate retrievals of biophysical and biochemical products of interest. The interpretation of inverted ALIA as physical leaf inclinations is considered unfeasible and we argue in favour of treating it as a free calibration parameter.
Evaluating and Validating Emotion Elicitation Using English and Arabic Movie Clips on a Saudi Sample
Authors: Alghowinem Sharifa , Goecke Roland , Wagner Michael , Alwabil Areej
Published: May 2019

With the advancement of technology in both hardware and software, estimating human affective states has become possible. Currently, movie clips are used as they are a widely-accepted method of eliciting emotions in a replicable way. However, cultural differences might influence the effectiveness of some video clips to elicit the target emotions. In this paper, we describe several sensors and techniques to measure, validate and investigate the relationship between cultural acceptance and eliciting universal expressions of affect using movie clips. For emotion elicitation, a standardised list of English language clips, as well as an initial set of Arabic video clips are used for comparison. For validation, bio-signal devices to measure physiological and behavioural responses associated with emotional stimuli are used. Physiological and behavioural responses are measured from 29 subjects of Arabic background while watching the selected clips. For the six emotions’ classification, a multiclass SVM (six-class) classifier using the physiological and behavioural measures as input results in a higher recognition rate for elicited emotions from Arabic video clips (avg. 60%) compared to the English video clips (avg. 52%). These results might reflect that using video clips from the subjects’ culture is more likely to elicit the target emotions. Besides measuring the physiological and behavioural responses, an online survey was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the selected video clips in eliciting the target emotions. The online survey, having on average 220 respondents for each clip, supported the findings.
Air-Coupled and Resonant Pulse-Echo Ultrasonic Technique
Authors: Álvarez-Arenas Tomás Gómez , Camacho Jorge
Published: May 2019

An ultrasonic, resonant, pulse-echo, and air-coupled nondestructive testing (NDT) technique is presented. It is intended for components, with regular geometries where it is possible to excite resonant modes, made of materials that have a high acoustic impedance (Z) and low attenuation coefficient (α). Under these conditions, these resonances will present a very large quality factor (Q) and decay time (τ). This feature is used to avoid the dead zone, produced by the echo coming from the first wall, by receiving the resonant echo from the whole specimen over a longer period of time. This echo is analyzed in the frequency domain to determine specimen resonant frequency, which can be further used to determine either velocity or thickness. Using wideband air-coupled transducers, we tested the technique on plates (steel, aluminum, and silicone rubber) by exciting the mode of the first thickness. As expected, the higher the Z and the lower the α, the better the technique performed. Sensitivity to deviations of the angle of incidence away from normal (±2°) and the possibility to generate shear waves were also studied. Then, it was tested on steel cylindrical pipes that had different wall thicknesses and diameters. Finally, the use of this technique to generate C-Scan images of steel plates with different thicknesses was demonstrated.
A Review: Photonic Devices Used for Dosimetry in Medical Radiation
Authors: Damulira Edrine , Yusoff Muhammad Nur Salihin , Omar Ahmad Fairuz , Mohd Taib Nur Hartini
Published: May 2019

Numerous instruments such as ionization chambers, hand-held and pocket dosimeters of various types, film badges, thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) are used to measure and monitor radiation in medical applications. Of recent, photonic devices have also been adopted. This article evaluates recent research and advancements in the applications of photonic devices in medical radiation detection primarily focusing on four types; photodiodes – including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), phototransistors—including metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), photovoltaic sensors/solar cells, and charge coupled devices/charge metal oxide semiconductors (CCD/CMOS) cameras. A comprehensive analysis of the operating principles and recent technologies of these devices is performed. Further, critical evaluation and comparison of their benefits and limitations as dosimeters is done based on the available studies. Common factors barring photonic devices from being used as radiation detectors are also discussed; with suggestions on possible solutions to overcome these barriers. Finally, the potentials of these devices and the challenges of realizing their applications as quintessential dosimeters are highlighted for future research and improvements.
An Improved Robust Method for Pose Estimation of Cylindrical Parts with Interference Features
Authors: Zhang Jieyu , Qiu Yuanying , Duan Xuechao , Xu Kangli , Yang Changqi
Published: May 2019

Horizontal docking assembly is a fundamental process in the aerospace assembly, where intelligent measurement and adjustable support systems are urgently needed to achieve higher automation and precision. Thus, a laser scanning approach is employed to obtain the point cloud from a laser scanning sensor. And a method of section profile fitting is put forward to solve the pose parameters from the data cloud acquired by the laser scanning sensor. Firstly, the data is segmented into planar profiles by a series of parallel planes, and ellipse fitting is employed to estimate each center of the section profiles. Secondly, the pose of the part can be obtained through a spatial straight line fitting with these profile centers. However, there may be some interference features on the surface of the parts in the practical assembly process, which will cause negative effects to the measurement. Aiming at the interferences, a robust method improved from M-estimation and RANSAC is proposed to enhance the measurement robustness. The proportion of the inner points in a whole profile point set is set as a judgment criterion to validate each planar profile. Finally, a prototype is fabricated, a series of experiments have been conducted to verify the proposed method.