bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification of Sucrose in Sugar Beet Molasses by Utilizing Ceramic Nanofiltration and Ultrafiltration Membranes
Authors: Sjölin Mikael , Thuvander Johan , Wallberg Ola , Lipnizki Frank
Published: December 2019

Molasses is a sugar mill by-product with low value that today is used primarily for animal feed. However, molasses contains large amounts of sucrose which, if purified, could be used for other purposes. In this study, purification by membrane filtration using ceramic tubular ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) was examined. NF purifies sucrose by removing small compounds, whereas UF removes larger compounds. Based on our results, high filtration fluxes could be obtained, and it was possible to clean the membranes sufficiently from fouling compounds. Sucrose was separated from other compounds, but the separation efficiency was generally higher with diluted molasses compared with concentrated molasses. This could be explained by more severe fouling when filtering dilute molasses or potentially due to aggregate formations in the molasses as our analysis showed. Overall, this study shows the potential of ceramic UF and NF membranes for sucrose purification from molasses.
A Study of the Electrodeposition of Gold Process in Iodine Leaching Solution
Authors: Meng Qi , Li Guichun , Kang Hua , Yan Xiaohui , Wang Huiping , Xu Deyong
Published: December 2019

This paper mainly discusses electrodeposition of gold from iodine leaching solution through single-factor testing and explores the influence of gold concentration in catholyte, mass fraction of iodine in anolyte, anolyte n(I2):n(I−), cell voltage, and electrolysis time on the percentage of gold deposition and coulombic efficiency. Moreover, a response surface methodology was adopted to study interactions among variables and influence on the percentage of gold deposition, with mass fraction of iodine in anolyte, anolyte n(I2):n(I−), and cell voltage as variable factors and percentage of gold deposition as the response value. The electrodeposition process was fitted via pseudo first-order kinetics and pseudo second-order kinetics. Finally, the free surface morphology of gold deposited on the cathode plate was observed by scanning electron microscope. Given the results, a principal effect relationship can be concluded between mass fraction of iodine in anolyte, anolyte n(I2):n(I−), cell voltage, and percentage of gold deposition, with cell voltage > anolyte n(I2):n(I−) > mass fraction of iodine in anolyte and a second-order regression equation obtained with percentage of gold deposition as the response value. The optimized process conditions were gold concentration in catholyte 20 mg/L, mass fraction of iodine in anolyte 0.59%, anolyte n(I2):n(I−) is 1:7.5, cell voltage 12.9 V, and electrolysis time 2 h. The average percentage of gold deposition of three confirmatory experiments was 96.43%, a figure very close to the predicted value of the model 97.76%, which proves that the quadratic polynomial model obtained by response surface methodology optimization is feasible and that the electrodeposition of gold process conforms to a pseudo second-order kinetic model. Au can be attached well to the cathode plate and the deposition layer is formed by granular grain accumulation.
Influence of Continuous Annealing Temperature on Mechanical Properties and Texture of Battery Shell Steel
Authors: Ning Beijia , Zhao Zhengzhi , Mo Zhiying , Wu Hong , Peng Chong , Gong Honggen
Published: December 2019

To study the influences of continuous annealing temperature on microstructure, mechanical properties and textures of battery shell steel, continuous annealing experiments were conducted at 710 °C, 730 °C, 760 °C and 780 °C respectively. The mechanical properties and normal anisotropy index (r) were measured by tensile test and the textures were investigated using the method of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The results show that as annealing temperature rose, the grain size, fracture elongation and r value increased, whereas the strength and yield ratio decreased. The yield strength was 122 MPa, the tensile strength was 286 MPa, meanwhile the elongation and r value arrived at 38.8% and 2.3 when the annealing temperature rose to 780 °C. After annealing, the main texture in battery shell steel is {111} <112>, followed by {111} <110>. With the increase of annealing temperature, textures in {001} crystallographic plane weakened while textures in {111} plane strengthened, which is beneficial to the deep drawability of the steel.
Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions in Ironmaking and Development of a Novel Flash Technology
Authors: Sohn Hong Yong
Published: December 2019

The issues of energy consumption and CO2 emissions of major ironmaking processes, including several new technologies, are assessed. These two issues are interconnected in that the production and use of fuels to generate energy add to the total amount of CO2 emissions and the efforts to sequester or convert CO2 require energy. The amounts of emissions and energy consumption in alternate ironmaking processes are compared with those for the blast furnace, currently the dominant ironmaking process. Although more than 90% of iron production is currently through the blast furnace, intense efforts are devoted to developing alternative technologies. Recent developments in alternate ironmaking processes, which are largely driven by the needs to decrease CO2 emissions and energy consumption, are discussed in this article. This discussion will include the description of the recently developed novel flash ironmaking technology. This technology bypasses the cokemaking and pelletization/sintering steps, which are pollution prone and energy intensive, by using iron ore concentrate. This transformational technology renders large energy saving and decreased CO2 emissions compared with the blast furnace process. Economic analysis indicated that this new technology, when operated using natural gas, would be economically feasible. As a related topic, we will also discuss different methods for computing process energy and total energy requirements in ironmaking.
Ribavirin as a First Treatment Approach for Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Transplant Recipient Patients
Authors: Rivero-Juarez Antonio , Vallejo Nicolau , Lopez-Lopez Pedro , Díaz-Mareque Ana Isabel , Frias Mario , Vallejo Aldara , Caballero-Gómez Javier , Rodríguez-Velasco María , Molina Esther , Aguilera Antonio
Published: December 2019

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major cause of acute hepatitis of viral origin worldwide. Despite its usual course as an asymptomatic self-limited hepatitis, there are highly susceptible populations, such as those with underlying immunosuppression, which could develop chronic hepatitis. In this situation, implementation of therapy is mandatory in the sense to facilitate viral clearance. Currently, there are no specific drugs approved for HEV infection, but ribavirin (RBV), the drug of choice, is used for off-label treatment. Here, we present two cases of chronic HEV infection in transplant patients, reviewing and discussing the therapeutic approach available in the literature. The use of RBV for the treatment of an HEV infection in organ transplant patients seems to be effective. The recommendation of 12 weeks of therapy is adequate in terms of efficacy. Nevertheless, there are important issues that urgently need to be assessed, such as optimal duration of therapy and drug dosage.
Fluorimetric Detection of Single Pathogenic Bacterium in Milk and Sewage Water Using pH-Sensitive Fluorescent Carbon Dots and MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Yang Qiaoli , Farooq Umer , Chen Wei , Ullah Muhammad Wajid , Wang Shenqi
Published: December 2019

The current study is focused on the application of water-soluble, fluorescent, and pH-sensitive carbon dots (CDs) as a nanoprobe for sensitive detection of pathogenic bacteria in milk and sewage water. The CDs were facilely synthesized through the controlled carbonization of sucrose using sulfuric acid and characterized through XRD, FTIR, TEM, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, and fluorescent analysis. The as-synthesized CDs were highly water-soluble, stable, and pH-sensitive fluorescent nanomaterials. The pH-related fluorescence study showed that the ratio of fluorescence intensity (Log[IF410/IF350]) changed linearly in the pH range between 4.9 and 6.9 in the Britton-Robison buffer. By determining the pH variation of the growth medium caused by the released acidic metabolites, the CDs-based ratiometric nanoprobe and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) were used for the detection and identification of Escherichia coli O157:H7, respectively. The practical applicability of the pH-sensitive fluorescent CDs-based ratiometric nanoprobe was evaluated to detect Escherichia coli O157:H7 in real samples, i.e., milk and sewage water using agar count plate method with a limit of detection (LOD) up to 1 colony-forming unit per mL (CFU/mL).
Generation of Epichloë Strains Expressing Fluorescent Proteins Suitable for Studying Host-Endophyte Interactions and Characterisation of a T-DNA Integration Event
Authors: Hettiarachchige Inoka K. , Ludlow Emma J. , Ekanayake Piyumi N. , Brohier Natasha D. , Sahab Sareena , Sawbridge Timothy I. , Spangenberg German C. , Guthridge Kathryn M.
Published: December 2019

Methods for the identification and localisation of endophytic fungi are required to study the establishment, development, and progression of host-symbiont interactions, as visible reactions or disease symptoms are generally absent from host plants. Fluorescent proteins have proved valuable as reporter gene products, allowing non-invasive detection in living cells. This study reports the introduction of genes for two fluorescent proteins, green fluorescent protein (GFP) and red fluorescent protein, DsRed, into the genomes of two distinct perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)-associated Epichloë endophyte strains using A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Comprehensive characterisation of reporter gene-containing endophyte strains was performed using molecular genetic, phenotypic, and bioinformatic tools. A combination of long read and short read sequencing of a selected transformant identified a single complex T-DNA insert of 35,530 bp containing multiple T-DNAs linked together. This approach allowed for comprehensive characterisation of T-DNA integration to single-base resolution, while revealing the unanticipated nature of T-DNA integration in the transformant analysed. These reporter gene endophyte strains were able to establish and maintain stable symbiotum with the host. In addition, the same endophyte strain labelled with two different fluorescent proteins were able to cohabit the same plant. This knowledge can be used to provide the basis to develop strategies to gain new insights into the host-endophyte interaction through independent and simultaneous monitoring in planta throughout its life cycle in greater detail.
Recovery of Microcrystalline Graphite from Quartz Using Magnetic Seeding
Authors: Hu Pengfei , Liang Long , Peng Yaoli , Yu Hesheng , Xie Guangyuan
Published: December 2019

Efficient beneficiation of microcrystalline graphite remains a challenge. Selective recovery of microcrystalline graphite from quartz using hydrophobized magnetite as magnetic seed is studied in this work. Magnetite was hydrophobized by the surface coating of sodium oleate. The hydrophobic agglomerates were then separated by magnetic separation. Sedimentation experiments were performed to study the adhesion of microcrystalline graphite and quartz to magnetite particles. The results showed that hydrophobized magnetite led to a higher microcrystalline graphite recovery than that of the original magnetite, due to the higher probability to bond with microcrystalline graphite. However, the hydrophobization of the magnetite surface had an insignificant effect on its interaction with quartz. The force analysis based on the extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (EDLVO) theory indicated that the total attractive interaction between hydrophobized magnetite and microcrystalline graphite were obviously stronger than that between hydrophobized magnetite and quartz, resulting in the selective aggregation between hydrophobized magnetite and microcrystalline graphite.
β-Caryophyllene, a CB2-Receptor-Selective Phytocannabinoid, Suppresses Mechanical Allodynia in a Mouse Model of Antiretroviral-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Aly Esraa , Khajah Maitham A. , Masocha Willias
Published: December 2019

Neuropathic pain associated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), therapeutic agents for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), responds poorly to available drugs. Smoked cannabis was reported to relieve HIV-associated neuropathic pain in clinical trials. Some constituents of cannabis (Cannabis sativa) activate cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors. However, activation of the CB1 receptor is associated with side effects such as psychosis and physical dependence. Therefore, we investigated the effect of β-caryophyllene (BCP), a CB2-selective phytocannabinoid, in a model of NRTI-induced neuropathic pain. Female BALB/c mice treated with 2′-3′-dideoxycytidine (ddC, zalcitabine), a NRTI, for 5 days developed mechanical allodynia, which was prevented by cotreatment with BCP, minocycline or pentoxifylline. A CB2 receptor antagonist (AM 630), but not a CB1 receptor antagonist (AM 251), antagonized BCP attenuation of established ddC-induced mechanical allodynia. β-Caryophyllene prevented the ddC-induced increase in cytokine (interleukin 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma) transcripts in the paw skin and brain, as well as the phosphorylation level of Erk1/2 in the brain. In conclusion, BCP prevents NRTI-induced mechanical allodynia, possibly via reducing the inflammatory response, and attenuates mechanical allodynia through CB2 receptor activation. Therefore, BCP could be useful for prevention and treatment of antiretroviral-induced neuropathic pain.
Generalized Stacking Fault Energy of Al-Doped CrMnFeCoNi High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Sun Xun , Zhang Hualei , Li Wei , Ding Xiangdong , Wang Yunzhi , Vitos Levente
Published: December 2019

Using first-principles methods, we investigate the effect of Al on the generalized stacking fault energy of face-centered cubic (fcc) CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy as a function of temperature. Upon Al addition or temperature increase, the intrinsic and extrinsic stacking fault energies increase, whereas the unstable stacking fault and unstable twinning fault energies decrease monotonously. The thermodynamic expression for the intrinsic stacking fault energy in combination with the theoretical Gibbs energy difference between the hexagonal close packed (hcp) and fcc lattices allows one to determine the so-called hcp-fcc interfacial energy. The results show that the interfacial energy is small and only weakly dependent on temperature and Al content. Two parameters are adopted to measure the nano-twinning ability of the present high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Both measures indicate that the twinability decreases with increasing temperature or Al content. The present study provides systematic theoretical plasticity parameters for modeling and designing high entropy alloys with specific mechanical properties.
Formation of Si Nanorods and Discrete Nanophases by Axial Diffusion of Si from Substrate into Au and AuPt Nanoalloy Nanorods
Authors: Berger Nele , Laghrissi Ayoub , Tay Yee Yan , Sritharan Thirumany , Fiutowski Jacek , Rubahn Horst-Günter , Es-Souni Mohammed
Published: December 2019

Interdiffusion between Si substrate and nanorod arrays of Au, Pt, and AuPt nanoalloys is investigated at temperatures lower than the AuSi eutectic temperature. When the nanorod is pure Au, Si diffusion from the substrate is very rapid. Au atoms are completely replaced by Si, converting the nanostructure into one of Si nanorod arrays. Au is diffused out to the substrate. The Au nanorod arrays on Si are unstable. When the nanorod is pure Pt, however, no diffusion of Si into the nanorod or any silicide formation is observed. The Pt nanorods are stable on Si substrate. When the nanorods are an alloy of AuPt, interesting interactions occur. Si diffusion into the nanorods is rapid but the diffusing Si readily reacts with Pt forming PtSi while Au diffuses out to the substrate. After annealing, nanophases of Au, Pt, PtSi, and Si may be present within the nanorods. When the Pt content of the alloy is low (12 at%) all Pt atoms are converted to silicide and the extra Si atoms remain in elemental form, particularly near the tip of the nanorods. Hence, the presence of Au accelerates Si diffusion and the ensuing reaction to form PtSi, a phenomenon absents in pure Pt nanorods. When the Au content of the alloy is low, the Si diffusion would cease when all Au atoms have diffused out of the nanorod, thereby arresting the silicide formation resulting in excess Pt in elemental form within the nanorod. This is a technique of making Si nanorods with and without embedded PtSi nanophase consisting of heterojunctions which could have unique properties.
Gut Microbial, Inflammatory and Metabolic Signatures in Older People with Physical Frailty and Sarcopenia: Results from the BIOSPHERE Study
Authors: Picca Anna , Ponziani Francesca Romana , Calvani Riccardo , Marini Federico , Biancolillo Alessandra , Coelho-Júnior Hélio José , Gervasoni Jacopo , Primiano Aniello , Putignani Lorenza , Del Chierico Federica , Reddel Sofia , Gasbarrini Antonio , Landi Francesco , Bernabei Roberto , Marzetti Emanuele
Published: December 2019

Physical frailty and sarcopenia (PF&S) share multisystem derangements, including variations in circulating amino acids and chronic low-grade inflammation. Gut microbiota balances inflammatory responses in several conditions and according to nutritional status. Therefore, an altered gut-muscle crosstalk has been hypothesized in PF&S. We analyzed the gut microbial taxa, systemic inflammation, and metabolic characteristics of older adults with and without PF&S. An innovative multi-marker analytical approach was applied to explore the classification performance of potential biomarkers for PF&S. Thirty-five community dwellers aged 70+, 18 with PF&S, and 17 nonPF&S controls were enrolled. Sequential and Orthogonalized Covariance Selection (SO-CovSel), a multi-platform regression method developed to handle highly correlated variables, was applied. The SO-CovSel model with the best prediction ability using the smallest number of variables was built using seven mediators. The model correctly classified 91.7% participants with PF&S and 87.5% nonPF&S controls. Compared with the latter group, PF&S participants showed higher serum concentrations of aspartic acid, lower circulating levels of concentrations of threonine and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, increased abundance of Oscillospira and Ruminococcus microbial taxa, and decreased abundance of Barnesiellaceae and Christensenellaceae. Future investigations are warranted to determine whether these biomediators are involved in PF&S pathophysiology and may, therefore, provide new targets for interventions.
Consumer Evaluation of the Role of Functional Food Products in Disease Prevention and the Characteristics of Target Groups
Authors: Plasek Brigitta , Lakner Zoltán , Kasza Gyula , Temesi Ágoston
Published: December 2019

Our research explores the methods consumers would consider using in order to prevent non-communicable diseases, with consuming functional food products being one of these methods. Previous research has pointed out the importance of missing information such as which diseases worry consumers and what they would use to avoid them. We conducted a personal survey with 1027 people in Hungary about 13 diseases and four prevention methods. We analyzed the results with descriptive statistical methods, binary logistic regression, and random forest. According to our results, the highest proportion of worried respondents think it is justified to consume functional foods for the prevention of digestive problems, a weakened immune system, and high cholesterol level. Our results help to characterize the target group for these three diseases. Completed education plays a key role in choosing functional foods to prevent a weakened immune system. Those with tertiary education are the most likely to choose this prevention method. With the other two diseases, age played a crucial role. All age groups over 36 would be more likely to choose functional foods to prevent digestive problems, whereas in case of high cholesterol level, the 36–50 age group would be more likely to apply this method.
Development and Predictors of Sarcopenic Dysphagia during Hospitalization of Older Adults
Authors: Maeda Keisuke , Ishida Yuria , Nonogaki Tomoyuki , Shimizu Akio , Yamanaka Yosuke , Matsuyama Remi , Kato Ryoko , Mori Naoharu
Published: December 2019

The study aimed to investigate the impact of sarcopenia and sarcopenia-related conditions on the development of swallowing disorders during hospitalization. Older adult inpatients (n = 8768) without swallowing disorders in the premorbid period were studied. Sarcopenia-related conditions were evaluated in terms of nutritional status, physical status, and ambulatory conditions as well as hand-grip strength and muscle mass assessed by calf circumference. Development of swallowing disorders was defined based on food texture at discharge from the hospital. The patients’ mean age was 76.1 ± 6.9 years. A total of 374 (4.3%) patients developed swallowing disorders during hospitalization. They were older, with poorer nutritional status, and had more decline of physical performance than those without swallowing disorders. Performance Status score (odds ratio (OR) = 1.28 (1.12–1.46) p < 0.001), ambulatory dependency (OR = 1.72 (1.09–2.71), p = 0.020), malnutrition score (OR = 0.92 (0.87–0.97), p = 0.002), insufficient nutritional intake (OR = 2.33 (1.60–3.40), p < 0.001), and length of stay (OR = 1.01 (1.00–1.01), p = 0.001) were independent contributing factors for swallowing disorder development in the multivariate analysis. The presence of possible sarcopenia was also a contributor to swallowing disorder development. In conclusion, swallowing disorders could develop in patients with possible sarcopenia and sarcopenia-related conditions during hospitalization. Clinicians should be aware of this risk and provide appropriate interventions to prevent sarcopenic dysphagia.
Varied Pathways of Infant Gut-Associated Bifidobacterium to Assimilate Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Prevalence of the Gene Set and Its Correlation with Bifidobacteria-Rich Microbiota Formation
Authors: Sakanaka Mikiyasu , Gotoh Aina , Yoshida Keisuke , Odamaki Toshitaka , Koguchi Hiroka , Xiao Jin-zhong , Kitaoka Motomitsu , Katayama Takane
Published: December 2019

The infant’s gut microbiome is generally rich in the Bifidobacterium genus. The mother’s milk contains natural prebiotics, called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), as the third most abundant solid component after lactose and lipids, and of the different gut microbes, infant gut-associated bifidobacteria are the most efficient in assimilating HMOs. Indeed, the fecal concentration of HMOs was found to be negatively correlated with the fecal abundance of Bifidobacterium in infants. Given these results, two HMO molecules, 2′-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose, have recently been industrialized to fortify formula milk. As of now, however, our knowledge about the HMO consumption pathways in infant gut-associated bifidobacteria is still incomplete. The recent studies indicate that HMO assimilation abilities significantly vary among different Bifidobacterium species and strains. Therefore, to truly maximize the effects of prebiotic and probiotic supplementation in commercialized formula, we need to understand HMO consumption behaviors of bifidobacteria in more detail. In this review, we summarized how different Bifidobacterium species/strains are equipped with varied gene sets required for HMO assimilation. We then examined the correlation between the abundance of the HMO-related genes and bifidobacteria-rich microbiota formation in the infant gut through data mining analysis of a deposited fecal microbiome shotgun sequencing dataset. Finally, we shortly described future perspectives on HMO-related studies.
FOODLIT-PRO: Food Literacy Domains, Influential Factors and Determinants—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rosas Raquel , Pimenta Filipa , Leal Isabel , Schwarzer Ralf
Published: December 2019

Poor eating habits are increasing the prevalence of weight-related issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Given the demand to improve individuals’ food knowledge and competencies aiming at healthier behaviours, the current investigation explores the concept of food literacy. Considering the lack of a shared understanding of food literacy, this study aims to explore food literacy’s domains, influential factors and determinants. Using a qualitative deductive-dominant content analysis, 30 experts from food-related fields were interviewed. The obtained outcomes were compared to available food literacy frameworks. Agreement among inter-raters was nearly perfect (k = 0.82). Yielding a total of 184 codes nested within 19 categories, identified domains were Origin, Safety, Choice and Decision, Select and Acquire, Plan, Preserve, Prepare, Cook, and Knowledge; influential factors included Nutrition, Psychological, Health, Learning Contexts, Policy, Industry, Sustainability, and Social and Cultural; External determinants were “Access to Food-Related Information”, “Perishable and/or Unreliable Food-Related Information”, “Family Dynamic and/or Identity”, and “Professionals’ Unpreparedness on Food-Related Expertise”, and Internal determinants included “Prioritise Food”, “Convenience and Practicality”, “Time and Financial Management”, “Previous Food-Related Habits”, and “Innate and Learned Flavour Preferences”. In conclusion, more than half of the identified attributes (62.5%) are corroborated by the current literature. However, the manifested content unmatched with the current frameworks of food literacy literature express food-literacy-related fields of action, knowledge, competencies, and determinants that have not yet been explored. As such, this study provides new and useful information concerning food literacy definition and development, by identifying its domains, factors of influence, and potential determinants. Moreover, this work paves the way for new measurements and interventions within this field.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Cyclophilin Proteins in 21 Oomycetes
Authors: Zhang Yan , Fletcher Kyle , Han Rongkui , Michelmore Richard , Yang Ruiwu
Published: December 2019

Cyclophilins (CYPs), a highly-conserved family of proteins, belong to a subgroup of immunophilins. Ubiquitous in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, CYPs have peptidyl-prolyl cis–trans isomerase (PPIase) activity and have been implicated as virulence factors in plant pathogenesis by oomycetes. We identified 16 CYP orthogroups from 21 diverse oomycetes. Each species was found to encode 15 to 35 CYP genes. Three of these orthogroups contained proteins with signal peptides at the N-terminal end, suggesting a role in secretion. Multidomain analysis revealed five conserved motifs of the CYP domain of oomycetes shared with other eukaryotic PPIases. Expression analysis of CYP proteins in different asexual life stages of the hemibiotrophic Phytophthora infestans and the biotrophic Plasmopara halstedii demonstrated distinct expression profiles between life stages. In addition to providing detailed comparative information on the CYPs in multiple oomycetes, this study identified candidate CYP effectors that could be the foundation for future studies of virulence.
Efficacy and Safety of Praziquantel for Treatment of Schistosoma mansoni Infection among School Children in Tanzania
Authors: Mnkugwe Rajabu Hussein , Minzi Omary S. , Kinung’hi Safari M. , Kamuhabwa Appolinary A. , Aklillu Eleni
Published: December 2019

Single-dose targeted praziquantel preventive chemotherapy is the WHO-recommended intervention for schistosomiasis control in endemic countries. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of single-dose praziquantel among Schistosoma mansoni-infected children in north-western Tanzania. A prospective safety and efficacy surveillance study was conducted among 341 school-going children treated with a single-dose praziquantel 40 mg/kg body weight. Socio-demographic, pre-treatment, and post-treatment stool examination and safety data were collected. The primary and secondary outcomes were treatment efficacy (parasitological cure and egg reduction rates at three weeks post-treatment) and treatment-related adverse events, respectively. The overall cure rate and egg reduction rate were 81.2% (76.8–85.3%) and 95.0% (92.7–97.3%), respectively. There was no significant association between cure rate and pre-treatment infection intensity. The incidence of treatment-associated adverse events was 28.5% (23.7–33.3%), with abdominal pain being the most common. Post-treatment abdominal pain and vomiting were significantly associated with pre-treatment infection intensity (p < 0.001) and anemia (p = 0.03), respectively. Praziquantel single-dose is still safe and efficacious against Schistosoma mansoni infection. However, the lack of cure in about one-fifth and adverse events in a quarter, of the infected children indicate the need for close praziquantel safety monitoring and treatment optimization research to improve efficacy.
The Interactions between Ciprofloxacin and Parenteral Nutrition Admixtures
Authors: Gostyńska Aleksandra , Stawny Maciej , Dettlaff Katarzyna , Jelińska Anna
Published: December 2019

Background: Co-infusion of parenteral nutrition (PN) and other drugs increases the risk of the interaction between drug and PN admixtures that can cause embolization of small blood vessels, resulting in potentially fatal consequences, including pulmonary embolism, or liver and retina vascular damage. The present study aimed to determine the compatibility between ciprofloxacin (CF) and eighteen compounded PN admixtures in order to assess the possibility of their co-administration via Y-sites. Methods: CF and PN admixtures were mixed at two volume ratios (1:1 and 2:1) and potential interactions were examined using visual inspection, and measurements of pH, osmolality particle size, and zeta potential. The analyses were conducted immediately after sample preparation and after four hours of storage. Results: The compatibility tests showed that the addition of the CF to the PN admixtures did not cause any color change or sign of destabilization in the fat emulsion. However, precipitation was observed in formulations containing higher CF concentrations and, in the case of lower CF concentrations, in formulations containing magnesium and calcium ions at a molar ratio of 2:1. Conclusions: The administration of CF and PN admixtures via the Y-site should be avoided or performed only with PN admixtures for which compatibility has been confirmed and the CF concentration in samples is 1 mg/mL at a molar ratio of magnesium to calcium ions of 1:1.
The Protective Role of 28-Homobrassinolide and Glomus versiforme in Cucumber to Withstand Saline Stress
Authors: Ahmad Husain , Hayat Sikandar , Ali Muhammad , Liu Hongjiu , Chen Xuejin , Li Jianming , Cheng Zhihui
Published: December 2019

The strategic role of phytohormones and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to overcome various stress conditions is gaining popularity in sustainable agricultural practices. This current study aims to investigate and identify the protective roles of 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) and Glomus versiforme on two cucumber cultivars (salt sensitive Jinyou 1# and tolerant Chanchun mici (CCMC)) grown under saline conditions (100 mM NaCl). HBL and AMF were applied as individual and combined treatments on two cucumber cultivars and their effects were observed on the morphological growth and physiology under control and saline conditions. Findings revealed that the treated plants showed better performance under saline conditions through improved photosynthesis, leaf relative water content, and decreased electrolyte leakage in tolerant cultivar (CCMC) and to a lesser extent in sensitive (Jinyou 1#) cultivar. Comparable differences were noticed in the antioxidant enzymes activity such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase after every 10 days in both cultivars. Treating the plants with HBL and AMF also improved the mineral uptake regulation and lowered sodium concentration in roots compared to that in the non-treated plants. Current findings suggest that the protective role of HBL and AMF involves the regulation of antioxidants and lowers the risk of ion toxicity in the cucumber and hence enhance tolerance to salinity. These results are promising, but further studies are needed to verify the crop tolerance to stress and help in sustainable agricultural production, particularly vegetables that are prone to salinity.
An Allelopathic Role for Garlic Root Exudates in the Regulation of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Cucumber in a Hydroponic Co-Culture System
Authors: Ding Haiyan , Ali Ahmad , Cheng Zhihui
Published: December 2019

Garlic is considered to have a strong positive effect on the growth and yield of receptors under soil cultivation conditions. However, how this positive promotion is produced by changing the growth environment of the receptors or directly acting on the receptors is still not very clear. The direct influence of co-culturing with different quantities of garlic plants (the control 5, 10, 15, 20) on the growth and biochemical processes of cucumber plants was studied using a hydroponic co-culture system. Different numbers of garlic bulbs inhibited the growth of cucumber plants and increased the production and induction of reactive oxygen species, which accompanied the enhancement of lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to cucumber. This allelopathic exposure further reduced the chlorophyll contents and photosynthesis rate, and consequently impaired the photosynthetic performance of photosystem II (PSII). Garlic root exudates increased the leaves’ carbohydrates accumulation, such as soluble sugar contents and sucrose levels by regulating the activities of metabolismic enzymes; however, no such accumulation was observed in the roots. Our results suggested that garlic root exudates can mediate negative plant–plant interactions and its phytotoxic influence on cucumber plants may have occurred through the application of oxidative stress, which consequently imbalanced the source-to-sink photo-assimilate flow.
Pinned Hybrid Glass-Flax Composite Laminates Aged in Salt-Fog Environment: Mechanical Durability
Authors: Calabrese Luigi , Fiore Vincenzo , Bruzzaniti Paolo , Scalici Tommaso , Valenza Antonino
Published: December 2019

The aim of the present paper is to study the mechanical performance evolution of pinned hybrid glass-flax composite laminates under environment aging conditions. Hybrid glass-flax fibers/epoxy pinned laminates were exposed to salt-spray fog environmental conditions up to 60 days. With the purpose of assessing the relationship between mechanical performances and failure mechanisms at increasing aging time, single lap joints at varying joint geometry (i.e., hole diameter D and hole distance E from free edge) were characterized after 0 days (i.e., unaged samples), 30 days, and 60 days of salt-fog exposition. Based on this approach, the property–structure relationship of the composite laminates was assessed on these critical environmental conditions. In particular, a reduction of failure strength for long-aging-time-aged samples was observed in the range 20–30% compared to unaged one. Due to the natural fiber degradation in a salt-fog environment, premature catastrophic fractures mode due to shear-out and net-tension were found, related to reduced joint fracture strength. This behavior identifies that this type of joint requires a careful design in order to guarantee an effective mechanical stability of the composite hybrid joint under long-term operating conditions in an aggressive environment.
Isoporous Membranes from Novel Polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine)-b-poly(solketal methacrylate) (PS-b-P4VP-b-PSMA) Triblock Terpolymers and Their Post-Modification
Authors: Saleem Sarah , Rangou Sofia , Abetz Clarissa , Filiz Volkan , Abetz Volker
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the formation of nanostructured triblock terpolymer polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine)-b-poly(solketal methacrylate) (PS-b-P4VP-b-PSMA), polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine)-b-poly(glyceryl methacrylate) (PS-b-P4VP-b-PGMA) membranes via block copolymer self-assembly followed by non-solvent-induced phase separation (SNIPS) is demonstrated. An increase in the hydrophilicity was observed after treatment of non-charged isoporous membranes from PS-b-P4VP-b-PSMA, through acidic hydrolysis of the hydrophobic poly(solketal methacrylate) PSMA block into a hydrophilic poly(glyceryl methacrylate) PGMA block, which contains two neighbored hydroxyl (–OH) groups per repeating unit. For the first time, PS-b-P4VP-b-PSMA triblock terpolymers with varying compositions were successfully synthesized by sequential living anionic polymerization. Composite membranes of PS-b-P4VP-b-PSMA and PS-b-P4VP-b-PGMA triblock terpolymers with ordered hexagonally packed cylindrical pores were developed. The morphology of the membranes was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). PS-b-P4VP-b-PSMA triblock terpolymer membranes were further treated with acid (1 M HCl) to get polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine)-b-poly(glyceryl methacrylate) (PS-b-P4VP-b-PGMA). Notably, the pristine porous membrane structure could be maintained even after acidic hydrolysis. It was found that membranes containing hydroxyl groups (PS-b-P4VP-b-PGMA) show a stable and higher water permeance than membranes without hydroxyl groups (PS-b-P4VP-b-PSMA), what is due to the increase in hydrophilicity. The membrane properties were analyzed further by contact angle, protein retention, and adsorption measurements.
Polymer-Based Membranes for Oily Wastewater Remediation
Authors: Zioui Djamila , Salazar Hugo , Aoudjit Lamine , Martins Pedro M. , Lanceros-Méndez Senentxu
Published: December 2019

The compounds found in industrial wastewater typically show high toxicity, and in this way, they have become a primary environmental concern. Several techniques have been applied in industrial effluent remediation. In spite of the efforts, these techniques are yet to be ineffective to treat oily wastewater before it can be discharged safely to the environment. Membrane technology is an attractive approach to treat oily wastewater. This is dedicated to the immobilisation of TiO2 nanoparticles on poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoro ethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) porous matrix by solvent casting. Membranes with interconnected pores with an average diameter of 60 µm and a contact angle of 97°, decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles, are obtained. The degradation of oily wastewater demonstrated the high photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposite membranes: Under sunlight irradiation for seven hours, colourless water was obtained.
New Epoxy Thermosets Derived from Clove Oil Prepared by Epoxy-Amine Curing
Authors: Santiago David , Guzmán Dailyn , Ramis Xavier , Ferrando Francesc , Serra Àngels
Published: December 2019

New thermosets from a triglycidyl eugenol derivative (3EPOEU) as a renewable epoxy monomer were obtained by an epoxy-amine curing process. A commercially-available Jeffamine® and isophorone diamine, both obtained from renewable resources, were used as crosslinking agents, and the materials obtained were compared with those obtained from a standard diglycidylether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). The evolution of the curing process was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and the materials obtained were characterized by means of calorimetry, thermogravimetry, thermodynamomechanical analysis, stress–strain tests and microindentation. 3EPOEU formulations were slightly less reactive, and the thermosets obtained showed higher Tgs than those prepared from DGEBA, since they had higher crosslinking density than formulations with DGEBA because of the more compact structure and higher functionality of the eugenol derivative. 3EPOEU thermosets showed good thermal stability and mechanical properties. The results obtained in this study allow us to conclude that the triglycidyl derivative of eugenol, 3EPOEU, is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to DGEBA.
Investigations on Novel Ternary Green Polymer Composite
Authors: Hsu Ting-Chia , Lee Li-Ting , Wu Xin-Yun
Published: December 2019

In this study, the novel ternary green polymer composites of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA)/poly(ethylene adipate)/hexagonal boron nitride (PLLA/PEA/h-BN) were synthesized and prepared. The crystallization rate of the biodegradable polymer PLLA in the composite was significantly increased with the addition of PEA and functional h-BN. In ternary PLLA/PEA/h-BN composites, PEA can be used as a plasticizer, while h-BN is a functional nucleation agent for PLLA. The analysis of the isothermal crystallization kinetics by the Avrami equation shows that the rate constant k of the ternary PLLA/PEA/h-BN composite represents the highest value, indicating the highest crystallization in the ternary composite. Adding h-BN in the composite can further increase the k value and increase the crystallization rate. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) images reveal that h-BN is an effective nucleation agent that increases the nucleation density of composites. Analysis of wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) further confirmed that the crystalline structures of PLLA were unchanged by the addition of PEA and h-BN. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that the h-BN particles are uniformly distributed in the composite. The distribution of h-BN having a particle size of a few hundred nm causes an effective nucleation effect and promotes the crystallization of the ternary composites.
Self-Reported Food Insecurity and Depression among the Older Population in South Africa
Authors: Bishwajit Ghose , Kota Komlan , Buh Amos , Yaya Sanni
Published: December 2019

South Africa represents one of the most rapidly aging countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a rising burden of age-related psychological morbidities. Despite having one of the highest human development scores in the region, the country faces serious poverty and food insecurity related challenges. Previous studies have shown a positive association between food insecurity and poor mental health among the adult population, however there is no systematic evidence on this association among the elderly population in an African setting. In the present study, we aimed to address this research gap by analyzing cross-sectional data (n = 931) on the over-50 population (>50 years) from the SAGE (Study on global AGEing and adult health) Well-Being of Older People Study (WOPS) of the World Health Organization, conducted between 2010 and 2013. The outcome variable was perceived depression and the explanatory variables included several sociodemographic factors including self-reported food insecurity. The independent associations between the outcome and explanatory variables were measured using multivariable regression analysis. Results showed that close to a quarter of the population (22.6%, 95% CI = 21.4, 24.7) reported having depression in the last 12 months, with the percentage being markedly higher among women (71.4%). In the multivariable regression analysis, self-reported food insecurity was found to be the strongest predictor of depression among both sexes. For instance, severe food insecurity increased the odds of depression by 4.805 [3.325, 7.911] times among men and by 4.115 [2.030, 8.341] times among women. Based on the present findings, it is suggested that national food security programs focus on promoting food security among the elderly population in an effort to improve their mental health status. Nonetheless, the data were cross-sectional and the associations can’t imply causality.
Scattering–Like Control of the Cheshire Cat Effect in Open Quantum Systems
Authors: Dajka Jerzy
Published: December 2019

We study the Quantum Cheshire Cat effect in an open system coupled to a finite environment. We consider a very special type of coupling—pure dephasing—and show that there is a scattering-like mechanism which can be utilized to construct an open-loop control strategy for the weak values of the Cat and its grin.
A Machine Learning-Based Classification System for Urban Built-Up Areas Using Multiple Classifiers and Data Sources
Authors: Sun Lang , Tang Lina , Shao Guofan , Qiu Quanyi , Lan Ting , Shao Jinyuan
Published: December 2019

Information about urban built-up areas is important for urban planning and management. However, obtaining accurate information about urban built-up areas is a challenge. This study developed a general-purpose built-up area intelligent classification (BAIC) system that supports various types of data and classifiers. All of the steps in the BAIC were implemented using Python modules including Numpy, Pandas, matplotlib, and scikit-learn. We used the BAIC to conduct a classification experiment that involved seven types of input data; namely, Point of Interest (POI), Road Network (RN), nighttime light (NTL), a combination of POI and RN data (POI_RN), a combination of POI and NTL data (POI_NTL), a combination of RN and NTL data (RN_NTL), and a combination of POI, RN, and NTL data (POI_RN_NTL), and five classifiers, namely, Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forests (RF), Gradient Boosted Decision Trees (GBDT), and AdaBoost. The results show the following: (1) among the 35 combinations of the five classifiers and seven types of input data, the overall accuracy (OA) ranged from 76 to 89%, F1 values ranged from 0.73 to 0.86, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) ranged from 0.83 to 0.95. The largest F1 value and OA were obtained using the POI_RN_NTL data and AdaBoost, while the largest AUC was obtained using POI_RN_NTL and POI_NTL data against AdaBoost, LR, and RF; and (2) the advantages of the BAIC include its support for multi-source input data, its objective accuracy assessment, and its robust classifiers. The BAIC can quickly and efficiently realize the automatic classification of urban built-up areas at a reasonably low cost and can be readily applied to other urban areas in the world where any kind of POI, RN, or NTL data coverage is available. The results of this study are expected to provide timely and effective reference information for urban planning and urban management departments, and could also potentially be used to develop large-scale maps of urban built-up areas in the future.
Mapping Urban Impervious Surfaces by Using Spectral Mixture Analysis and Spectral Indices
Authors: Li Wenliang
Published: December 2019

Impervious surface is the major component of urban areas, and it has been widely considered as the key for assessing the degree of urban sprawl. While the effectiveness of applying spectral mixture analysis (SMA) and spectral indices in mapping urban impervious surface has been proved, most studies have relied either on SMA or spectral indices without considering both. In this study, the SMA and spectral indices were integrated together to map impervious surfaces distributions in both Milwaukee County in the Wisconsin State and Fayette County in the Kentucky State. Specifically, spectral indices were used for identifying major land covers. Two-dimensional feature space plots were generated by calculated spectral indices images for endmember selection and extraction. Linear constrained SMA was finally applied to quantify the fractional impervious surfaces. Research results indicate that the proposed method has achieved a promising accuracy, and better performance was achieved in less developed areas than the developed areas. Moreover, a comparative analysis shows that the proposed method performs better than the conventional method in both the whole study area and the developed areas, and a comparable performance has been achieved in the less developed areas.