bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Ceramide Effects on the Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Diabetes
Authors: Levitsky Yan , Hammer Sandra S. , Fisher Kiera P. , Huang Chao , Gentles Travan L. , Pegouske David J. , Xi Caimin , Lydic Todd A. , Busik Julia V. , Proshlyakov Denis A.
Published: May 2020

Mitochondrial damage in the cells comprising inner (retinal endothelial cells) and outer (retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)) blood–retinal barriers (BRB) is known to precede the initial BRB breakdown and further histopathological abnormalities in diabetic retinopathy (DR). We previously demonstrated that activation of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) is an important early event in the pathogenesis of DR, and recent studies have demonstrated that there is an intricate connection between ceramide and mitochondrial function. This study aimed to determine the role of ASM-dependent mitochondrial ceramide accumulation in diabetes-induced RPE cell damage. Mitochondria isolated from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat retinas (7 weeks duration) showed a 1.64 ± 0.29-fold increase in the ceramide-to-sphingomyelin ratio compared to controls. Conversely, the ceramide-to-sphingomyelin ratio was decreased in the mitochondria isolated from ASM-knockout mouse retinas compared to wild-type littermates, confirming the role of ASM in mitochondrial ceramide production. Cellular ceramide was elevated 2.67 ± 1.07-fold in RPE cells derived from diabetic donors compared to control donors, and these changes correlated with increased gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and ASM. Treatment of RPE cells derived from control donors with high glucose resulted in elevated ASM, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) mRNA. RPE from diabetic donors showed fragmented mitochondria and a 2.68 ± 0.66-fold decreased respiratory control ratio (RCR). Treatment of immortalized cell in vision research (ARPE-19) cells with high glucose resulted in a 25% ± 1.6% decrease in citrate synthase activity at 72 h. Inhibition of ASM with desipramine (15 μM, 1 h daily) abolished the decreases in metabolic functional parameters. Our results are consistent with diabetes-induced increase in mitochondrial ceramide through an ASM-dependent pathway leading to impaired mitochondrial function in the RPE cells of the retina.
TRPV4: A Physio and Pathophysiologically Significant Ion Channel
Authors: Rosenbaum Tamara , Benítez-Angeles Miguel , Sánchez-Hernández Raúl , Morales-Lázaro Sara Luz , Hiriart Marcia , Morales-Buenrostro Luis Eduardo , Torres-Quiroz Francisco
Published: May 2020

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels are a family of ion channels whose members are distributed among all kinds of animals, from invertebrates to vertebrates. The importance of these molecules is exemplified by the variety of physiological roles they play. Perhaps, the most extensively studied member of this family is the TRPV1 ion channel; nonetheless, the activity of TRPV4 has been associated to several physio and pathophysiological processes, and its dysfunction can lead to severe consequences. Several lines of evidence derived from animal models and even clinical trials in humans highlight TRPV4 as a therapeutic target and as a protein that will receive even more attention in the near future, as will be reviewed here.
Resveratrol Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Prevents Mitochondrial Damage Induced by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Giordo Roberta , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Al-Jamal Ola , Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Pintus Gianfranco
Published: May 2020

Despite their wide industrial use, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit a high toxic potential while concerns of their health-related risks are still present, urging additional in vivo clarification studies. Oxidative stress is recognized as the primary trigger of NP-associated toxicity, suggesting antioxidants as a promising counteractive approach. Here, we investigated the protective effect of the natural antioxidant resveratrol against ZnO NP-induced toxicity in vivo using the zebrafish model. Our findings demonstrate that resveratrol counteracts ZnO NP-induced zebrafish lethality preventing cardiac morphological and functional damage. NP-induced vascular structural abnormalities during embryonic fish development were significantly counteracted by resveratrol treatment. Mechanistically, we further showed that resveratrol inhibits ROS increase, prevents mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction, and counteracts cell apoptosis/necrosis elicited by ZnO NP. Overall, our data provide further evidence demonstrating the primary role of oxidative stress in NP-induced damage, and highlight new insights concerning the protective mechanism of antioxidants against nanomaterial toxicity.
The Role of MicroRNA in the Airway Surface Liquid Homeostasis
Authors: Mitash Nilay , Donovan Joshua E. , Swiatecka-Urban Agnieszka
Published: May 2020

Mucociliary clearance, mediated by a coordinated function of cilia bathing in the airway surface liquid (ASL) on the surface of airway epithelium, protects the host from inhaled pathogens and is an essential component of the innate immunity. ASL is composed of the superficial mucus layer and the deeper periciliary liquid. Ion channels, transporters, and pumps coordinate the transcellular and paracellular movement of ions and water to maintain the ASL volume and mucus hydration. microRNA (miRNA) is a class of non-coding, short single-stranded RNA regulating gene expression by post-transcriptional mechanisms. miRNAs have been increasingly recognized as essential regulators of ion channels and transporters responsible for ASL homeostasis. miRNAs also influence the airway host defense. We summarize the most up-to-date information on the role of miRNAs in ASL homeostasis and host–pathogen interactions in the airway and discuss concepts for miRNA-directed therapy.
Theragnostic Aspects and Radioimmunotherapy in Pediatric Tumors
Authors: Cimini Andrea , Ricci Maria , Chiaravalloti Agostino , Filippi Luca , Schillaci Orazio
Published: May 2020

The use of theragnostic radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine has grown rapidly over the years to combine the diagnosis and therapy of tumors. In this review, we performed web-based and desktop literature research to investigate and explain the potential role of theragnostic imaging in pediatric oncology. We focused primarily on patients with aggressive malignancies such as neuroblastoma and brain tumors, to select patients with the highest chance of benefit from personalized therapy. Moreover, the most critical and groundbreaking applications of radioimmunotherapy in children’s oncology were examined in this peculiar context. Preliminary results showed the potential feasibility of theragnostic imaging and radioimmunotherapy in pediatric oncology. They revealed advantages in the management of the disease, thereby allowing an intra-personal approach and adding new weapons to conventional therapies.
The Right to the City in the Platform Age: Child-Friendly City and Smart City Premises in Contention
Authors: van der Graaf Shenja
Published: May 2020

This article sought to develop a critical account of the ever-increasing role of ICTs in cities and urban governance discourses, captured by a growing interest to ‘smarten up’ our cities, for their inclusiveness of citizens more broadly, and that of children, in particular. In revisiting rights-based approaches, it gives particular attention to the (political) premises of two urban concepts, that is, child-friendly cities and smart cities. The focus here is on how these current concepts encompass and direct the make-up of children′s relationship to the city, which brings the question to the fore of ‘whose version is it?’ A predominant provider′s perspective and a normative discourse are revealed which seem to overlook emergent logics of children′s social needs and experiences in the city. It is therefore proposed to revisit and revise our existing ideas, thus critiquing the current potential of the emerging ‘rights-based’ agendas in improving outcomes for children by urging cities to become child-friendly in their smart city ideals.
Effects of Marking Automated Vehicles on Human Drivers on Highways
Authors: Fuest Tanja , Feierle Alexander , Schmidt Elisabeth , Bengler Klaus
Published: May 2020

Due to the short range of the sensor technology used in automated vehicles, we assume that the implemented driving strategies may initially differ from those of human drivers. Nevertheless, automated vehicles must be able to move safely through manual road traffic. Initially, they will behave as carefully as human learners do. In the same way that driving-school vehicles tend to be marked in Germany, markings for automated vehicles could also prove advantageous. To this end, a simulation study with 40 participants was conducted. All participants experienced three different highway scenarios, each with and without a marked automated vehicle. One scenario was based around some roadworks, the next scenario was a traffic jam, and the last scenario involved a lane change. Common to all scenarios was that the automated vehicles strictly adhered to German highway regulations, and therefore moved in road traffic somewhat differently to human drivers. After each trial, we asked participants to rate how appropriate and disturbing the automated vehicle’s driving behavior was. We also measured objective data, such as the time of a lane change and the time headway. The results show no differences for the subjective and objective data regarding the marking of an automated vehicle. Reasons for this might be that the driving behavior itself is sufficiently informative for humans to recognize an automated vehicle. In addition, participants experienced the automated vehicle’s driving behavior for the first time, and it is reasonable to assume that an adjustment of the humans’ driving behavior would take place in the event of repeated encounters.
Reference Gene Selection for Expression Analyses by qRT-PCR in Dendroctonus valens
Authors: Zheng Chunchun , Zhao Dongfang , Xu Yabei , Shi Fengming , Zong Shixiang , Tao Jing
Published: May 2020

Dendroctonus valens is the main pest of the genus Pinus. To facilitate gene expression analyses, suitable reference genes for adults and mature larvae of D. valens under different temperature conditions were determined. In particular, we obtained the sequences of candidate reference genes, ACT, TUB, SHDA, PRS18, 18S rRNA, and CYP4G55, from transcriptome data. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyze gene expression, and geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper were used to evaluate expression stability. Under different temperature conditions, the expression levels of 18S rRNA, PRS18, and TUB were stable in adults, in which 18S rRNA > PRS18 > TUB. In mature larvae, the expression levels of TUB, 18S rRNA, and SDHA were stable, in which TUB > 18S rRNA > SDHA. The combination of 18S rRNA and PRS18 is recommended for studies of gene expression in adults and the combination of 18S rRNA and TUB is effective for studies of gene expression in mature larvae of D. valens under different temperature conditions.
Comparison of Modern and Pleistocene (MIS 5e) Coastal Boulder Deposits from Santa Maria Island (Azores Archipelago, NE Atlantic Ocean)
Authors: Ávila Sérgio P. , Johnson Markes E. , Rebelo Ana Cristina , Baptista Lara , Melo Carlos S.
Published: May 2020

Modern and palaeo-shores from Pleistocene Marine Isotope Substage 5e (MIS 5e) featuring prominent cobble/boulder deposits from three locations, on the southern and eastern coast of Santa Maria Island in the Azores Archipelago, were compared, in order to test the idea of higher storminess during the Last Interglacial. A total of 175 basalt clasts from seven transects were measured manually in three dimensions perpendicular to one another. Boulders that exceeded the minimum definitional diameter of 25 cm contributed to 45% of the clasts, with the remainder falling into the category of large cobbles. These were sorted for variations in shape, size, and weight pertinent to the application of two mathematical formulas to estimate wave heights necessary for traction. Both equations were based on the “Nott-Approach”, one of them being sensitive to the longest axis, the other to the shortest axis. The preponderance of data derived from the Pleistocene deposits, which included an intertidal invertebrate fauna for accurate dating. The island’s east coast at Ponta do Cedro lacked a modern boulder beach due to steep rocky shores, whereas raised Pleistocene palaeo-shores along the same coast reflect surged from an average wave height of 5.6 m and 6.5 m. Direct comparison between modern and Pleistocene deposits at Ponta do Castelo to the southeast and Prainha on the island’s south shore produced contrasting results, with higher wave heights during MIS 5e at Ponta do Castelo and higher wave heights for the modern boulder beach at Prainha. Thus, our results did not yield a clear conclusion about higher storminess during the Last Interglacial compared to the present day. Historical meteorological records pit the seasonal activity of winter storms arriving from the WNW-NW against the scant record of hurricanes arriving from the ESE-SE. The disparity in the width of the marine shelf around Santa Maria Island with broad shelves to the north and narrow shelves to the south and east suggested that periodic winter storms had a more regular role in coastal erosion, whereas the rare episodic recurrence of hurricanes had a greater impact on southern and southeastern rocky shores, where the studied coastal boulder deposits were located.
Influence of Sepiolite and Lignin as Potential Synergists on Flame Retardant Systems in Polylactide (PLA) and Polyurethane Elastomer (PUE)
Authors: Carretier Valentin , Delcroix Julien , Pucci Monica Francesca , Rublon Pierre , Lopez-Cuesta José-Marie
Published: May 2020

A comparison of the influence of sepiolite and lignin as potential synergists for fire retardant (FR) systems based on ammonium polyphosphate (APP) has been carried out in polyurethane elastomer and polylactide. Different ratios of kraft lignin and sepiolite were tested in combination with APP in both polymers. The thermal stability and the fire behavior of the corresponding composites were evaluated using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), a Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimeter (PCFC) and Cone Calorimeter (CC). The mechanisms of flame retardancy imparted by APP and other components were investigated. Synergistic effects were highlighted but only for specific ratios between APP and sepiolite in polyurethane elastomer (PUE) and polylactide (PLA) on one hand, and between APP and lignin in PLA on the other hand. Sepiolite acts as char reinforcement but through the formation of new phosphorus compounds it is also able to form a protective layer. Conversely, only complementary effects on fire performance were noted for lignin in PUE due to a dramatic influence on thermal stability despite its action on char formation.
Influence of Clogging and Unbound Base Layer Properties on Pervious Concrete Drainage Characteristics
Authors: Barišić Ivana , Netinger Grubeša Ivanka , Dokšanović Tihomir , Zvonarić Matija
Published: May 2020

This paper aims to assess the influence of clogging on paving material (pervious concrete) drainage characteristics as well as the influence of the properties of an unbound base layer on drainage characteristics of the whole paving system. The clogging influence has been studied measuring the drainage characteristics on pervious concrete flags before and after their clogging, according to ASTM C1701-09. Additionally, the drainage characteristics of uncontaminated pervious concrete as a paving material was assessed using the falling head method. To assess the influence of properties of an unbound base course (UBC) on drainage characteristics of the whole paving system, the unbound base layer was compacted in two different levels of compaction and the drainage characteristics were measured (according to ASTM C1701-09). It is concluded that pervious concrete prepared with a smaller aggregate fraction is more prone to clogging. Regarding the influence of UBC, it is important to find a balance between pervious concrete infiltration and UBC exfiltration rate, particularly in a case of pervious concrete flags made of coarse aggregate.
Influence of ZrB2 on Microstructure and Properties of Steel Matrix Composites Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Sulima Iwona , Hyjek Pawel , Jaworska Lucyna , Perek-Nowak Malgorzata
Published: May 2020

In this study, four composites with different ZrB2 content were made by the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS/FAST) technique. The sintering process was carried out at 1373 K for 5 min under an argon atmosphere. The effect of ZrB2 reinforcing phase content on the density, microstructure, and mechanical and tribological properties of composites was investigated. The results were compared with experimental data obtained for 316L austenitic stainless steel without the reinforcing phase. The results showed that the ZrB2 content significantly affected the tested properties. With the increasing content of the ZrB2 reinforcing phase, there was an increase in the Young’s modulus and hardness and an improvement in the abrasive wear resistance of sintered composites. In all composites, new fine precipitates were formed and distributed in the steel matrix and along the grain boundaries. Microstructural analysis (Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS)) has revealed that the fine precipitates chromium contained chromium as well as boron.
Thermocapillary Marangoni Flows in Azopolymers
Authors: Miniewicz Andrzej , Sobolewska Anna , Piotrowski Wojciech , Karpinski Pawel , Bartkiewicz Stanislaw , Schab-Balcerzak Ewa
Published: May 2020

It is well known that light-induced multiple trans-cis-trans photoisomerizations of azobenzene derivatives attached to various matrices (polymeric, liquid crystalline polymers) result in polymer mass movement leading to generation of surface reliefs. The reliefs can be produced at small as well as at large light intensities. When linearly polarized light is used in the process, directional photo-induced molecular orientation of the azo molecules occurs, which leads to the generation of optical anisotropy in the system, providing that thermal effects are negligible. On the other hand, large reliefs are observed at relatively strong laser intensities when the optofluidization process is particularly effective. In this article, we describe the competitive thermocapillary Marangoni effect of polymer mass motion. We experimentally prove that the Marangoni effect occurs simultaneously with the optofluidization process. It destroys the orientation of the azopolymer molecules and results in cancelation of the photo-induced birefringence. Our experimental observations of polymer surface topography with atomic force microscopy are supported by suitable modelings.
Study on Technological Effects of a Precise Grooving of AlSi13MgCuNi Alloy with a Novel WCCo/PCD (DDCC) Inserts
Authors: Wojciechowski Szymon , Talar Rafał , Zawadzki Paweł , Legutko Stanisław , Maruda Radosław , Prakash Chander
Published: May 2020

The WCCo/PCD (Diamond Dispersed Cemented Carbide—DDCC) manufactured with the use of PPS (pulse plasma sintering) are modern materials intended for cutting tools with the benefits of tungsten carbides and polycrystalline diamonds. Nevertheless, the cutting performance of DDCC materials are currently not recognized. Thus this study proposes the evaluation of technological effects of a precise groove turning process of hard-to-cut AlSi13MgCuNi alloy with DDCC tools. The conducted studies involved the measurements of machined surface topographies after grooving with different cutting parameters. In addition, the tool life and wear tests of DDCC inserts were conducted during grooving process and the obtained results were compiled with values reached during machining with cemented carbide tools. It was also proved that grooving of AlSi13MgCuNi alloy with DDCC inserts enables 5 times longer tool life and almost 3-fold increase of cutting path compared to values obtained during grooving with H3 and H10 cemented carbide inserts. Ultimately, the feed value of f = 0.15 mm/rev and cutting speed in a range of 800 m/min ≤ vc ≤ 1000 m/min during grooving with DDCC inserts can be defined as an optimal machining parameters, enabling the maximization of tool life and improvement in surface quality.
Effect of Processing Route on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in Single-Roll Angular-Rolling
Authors: Lee Hak Hyeon , Hwang Kyo Jun , Park Hyung Keun , Kim Hyoung Seop
Published: May 2020

This paper reports the effect of the processing route on the microstructure and mechanical properties in the pure copper sheets processed by single-roll angular-rolling (SRAR). The SRAR process was repeated up to six passes in two processing routes, called routes A and C in equal-channel angular pressing. As the number of passes increased, the heterogeneous evolution of hardness and microstructural heterogeneities between the core and surface regions gradually became intensified in both processing routes. In particular, route A exhibited more prominent partial grain refinement and dislocation localization on the core region than route C. The finite element analysis revealed that the intense microstructural heterogeneities observed in route A were attributed to effective shear strain partitioning between the core and surface regions by the absence of redundant strain. On the other hand, route C induced reverse shearing and cancellation of shear strain over the entire thickness, leading to weak shear strain partitioning and delayed grain refinement. Ultimately, this work suggests that route A is the preferred option to manufacture reverse gradient structures in that the degree of shear strain partitioning and microstructural heterogeneity between the core and surface regions is more efficiently intensified with increasing the number of passes.
Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Hollow Fiber Membranes for the Biofabrication of a Vascularized Human Liver Tissue
Authors: Salerno Simona , Tasselli Franco , Drioli Enrico , De Bartolo Loredana
Published: May 2020

The creation of a liver tissue that recapitulates the micro-architecture and functional complexity of a human organ is still one of the main challenges of liver tissue engineering. Here we report on the development of a 3D vascularized hepatic tissue based on biodegradable hollow fiber (HF) membranes of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) that compartmentalize human hepatocytes on the external surface and between the fibers, and endothelial cells into the fiber lumen. To this purpose, PCL HF membranes were prepared by a dry-jet wet phase inversion spinning technique tailoring the operational parameters in order to obtain fibers with suitable properties. After characterization, the fibers were applied to generate a human vascularized hepatic unit by loading endothelial cells in their inner surface and hepatocytes on the external surface. The unit was connected to a perfusion system, and the morpho-functional behavior was evaluated. The results demonstrated the large integration of endothelial cells with the internal surface of individual PCL fibers forming vascular-like structures, and hepatocytes covered completely the external surface and the space between fibers. The perfused 3D hepatic unit retained its functional activity at high levels up to 18 days. This bottom-up tissue engineering approach represents a rational strategy to create relatively 3D vascularized tissues and organs.
Recent Progress on Extended Wavelength and Split-Off Band Heterostructure Infrared Detectors
Authors: Ghimire Hemendra , Jayaweera P. , Somvanshi Divya , Lao Yanfeng , Perera A.
Published: May 2020

The use of multilayer semiconductor heterojunction structures has shown promise in infrared detector applications. Several heterostructures with innovative compositional and architectural designs have been displayed on emerging infrared technologies. In this review, we aim to illustrate the principles of heterostructure detectors for infrared detection and explore the recent progress on the development of detectors with the split-off band and threshold wavelength extension mechanism. This review article includes an understanding of the compositional and the architectural design of split-off band detectors and to prepare a database of their performances for the wavelength extension mechanism. Preparing a unique database of the compositional or architectural design of structures, their performance, and penetrating the basics of infrared detection mechanisms can lead to significant improvements in the quality of research. The brief outlook of the fundamentals of the infrared detection technique with its appropriateness and limitations for better performance is also provided. The results of the long-term study presented in this review article would be of considerable assistance to those who are focused on the heterostructure infrared detector development.
Calligraphed Selective Plasmonic Arrays on Paper Platforms for Complementary Dual Optical “ON/OFF Switch” Sensing
Authors: Susu Laurentiu , Campu Andreea , Astilean Simion , Focsan Monica
Published: May 2020

Designing innovative (nano)detection platforms, respecting their low-cost and fabrication simplicity, capable to chemically detect multiple target analytes by employing the same engineered device, is still a great challenge in the multiplexed biosensor development. In this scientific context, in the current manuscript, we exploit the low-cost plasmonic calligraphy as a versatile approach to directly draw continuous plasmonic lines on Whatman paper using a regular ballpoint pen successively filled with two different anisotropic nanoparticles shapes (gold bipyramids—AuBPs and gold nanorods—AuNRs) as colloidal inks. After the efficient immobilization of the positively-charged AuBPs and AuNRs onto the paper fibres, proved by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) investigations, the specificity of our as-calligraphed-paper platform is ensured by coating the selected lines with a thin layer of anionic poly(styrene sulfonate) polyelectrolyte, creating, consequently, a well-defined plasmonic array of charge-selective regions. Finally, the functionality of the well-isolated and as-miniaturized active plasmonic array is, subsequently, tested using the anionic Rose-Bengal and cationic Rhodamine 6G target analytes and proved by complementary dual optical “ON/OFF Switch” sensing (i.e. Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering sensing/metal-enhanced fluorescence sensing) onto the same plasmonic line, developing thus a simple multiplexed plasmonic array platform, which could further facilitate the well-desired biomarker detection in complex mixtures.
Enhanced Stability and Amplified Signal Output of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube-Based NH3-Sensitive Electrode after Dual Plasma Treatment
Authors: Kim Joon Hyub , Jin Joon-Hyung , Min Nam Ki
Published: May 2020

Pristine nanomaterials are normally prepared using finely controlled fabrication processes. Because no imperfect nanostructure remains, they cannot be used directly as electrode substrates of functional devices. This is because perfectly organized nanostructures or nanomaterials commonly require posttreatment to generate intentionally, the kinds of desirable defects inside or on their surfaces that enable effective functionalization. Plasma treatment is an easier, simpler and more widely used way (relative to other methods) to modify a variety of nanomaterials, although plasma-functionalized nano surfaces commonly have a short lifetime. We present herein a dual plasma treatment (DPT) that significantly enhances the degree and lifetime of plasma-induced surface functional groups on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The DPT process consists of two individually optimized oxygen–plasma treatments. The DPT-modified SWCNT functioned as a sensing material for ammonia gas for more than a month. It also provided more than three times the degree of functionality for amplified signal output than with a single-plasma-treated SWCNT electrode.
Catalyst-Assisted Large-Area Growth of Single-Crystal β-Ga2O3 Nanowires on Sapphire Substrates by Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Jia Chunyang , Jeon Dae-Woo , Xu Jianlong , Yi Xiaoyan , Park Ji-Hyeon , Zhang Yiyun
Published: May 2020

In this work, we have achieved synthesizing large-area high-density β-Ga2O3 nanowires on c-plane sapphire substrate by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition assisted with Au nanocrystal seeds as catalysts. These nanowires exhibit one-dimensional structures with Au nanoparticles on the top of the nanowires with lengths exceeding 6 μm and diameters ranging from ~50 to ~200 nm. The β-Ga2O3 nanowires consist of a single-crystal monoclinic structure, which exhibits strong ( 2 ¯ 01) orientation, confirmed by transmission electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The PL spectrum obtained from these β-Ga2O3 nanowires exhibits strong emissions centered at ~360 and ~410 nm, respectively. The energy band gap of the β-Ga2O3 nanowires is estimated to be ~4.7 eV based on an optical transmission test. A possible mechanism for the growth of β-Ga2O3 nanowires is also presented.
Measurement of Quantum Yields of Monolayer TMDs Using Dye-Dispersed PMMA Thin Films
Authors: Roy Shrawan , Sharbirin Anir S. , Lee Yongjun , Kim Won Bin , Kim Tae Soo , Cho Kiwon , Kang Kibum , Jung Hyun Suk , Kim Jeongyong
Published: May 2020

In general, the quantum yields (QYs) of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (1L-TMDs) are low, typically less than 1% in their pristine state, significantly limiting their photonic applications. Many methods have been reported to increase the QYs of 1L-TMDs; however, the technical difficulties involved in the reliable estimation of these QYs have prevented the general assessment of these methods. Herein, we demonstrate the estimation of the QYs of 1L-TMDs using a poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) thin film embedded with rhodamine 6G (R6G) as a reference specimen for measuring the QYs of 1L-TMDs. The PMMA/R6G composite films with thicknesses of 80 and 300 nm demonstrated spatially homogeneous emissions with the incorporation of well-dispersed R6G molecules, and may, therefore, be used as ideal reference specimens for the QY measurement of 1L-TMDs. Using our reference specimens, for which the QY ranged from 5.4% to 22.2% depending on the film thickness and R6G concentrations, we measured the QYs of the exfoliated or chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown 1L-WS2, -MoSe2, -MoS2, and -WSe2 TMDs. The convenient procedure proposed in this study for preparing the thin reference films and the simple protocol for the QY estimation of 1L-TMDs may enable accurate comparisons of the absolute QYs between the 1L-TMD samples, thereby enabling the development of a method to improve the QY of 1L-TMDs.
Solid-State Conversion of Magnesium Waste to Advanced Hydrogen-Storage Nanopowder Particles
Authors: El-Eskandarany Mohamed Sherif , Ali Naser , Al-Salem Sultan Majed
Published: May 2020

Recycling of metallic solid-waste (SW) components has recently become one of the most attractive topics for scientific research and applications on a global scale. A considerable number of applications are proposed for utilizing metallic SW products in different applications. Utilization of SW magnesium (Mg) metal for tailoring high-hydrogen storage capacity nanoparticles has never been reported as yet. The present study demonstrates the ability to produce pure Mg ingots through a melting and casting approach from Mg-machining chips. The ingots were used as a feedstock material to produce high-quality Mg-ribbons, using a melting/casting and spinning approaches. The ribbons were then subjected to severe plastic deformation through the cold rolling technique. The as-cold roll Mg strips were then snipped into small shots before charging them into reactive ball milling. The milling process was undertaken under high-pressure of pure hydrogen gas (H2), where titanium balls were used as milling media. The final product obtained after 100 h of milling showcased excellent nanocrystalline structure and revealed high hydro/dehydrogenation kinetics at moderate temperature (275 °C). The present study shows that primer cold rolling of Mg-strips before reactive ball milling is a necessary step to prepare ultrafine magnesium hydride (MgH2) nanopowders with advanced absorption/desorption kinetics behavior. These ultrafine powders with their nanocrystalline structure are believed to play an important role in effective gas diffusion process. Moreover, the fine titanium particles came from the ball-powder-ball collisions and introduced to the Mg matrix have not only acted as micro-scaled milling media, but they played a vital catalyzation role for the process.
Development of Fortified Citrus Olive Oils: From Their Production to Their Nutraceutical Properties on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Flori Lorenzo , Macaluso Monica , Taglieri Isabella , Sanmartin Chiara , Sgherri Cristina , De Leo Marinella , Ciccone Valerio , Donnini Sandra , Venturi Francesca , Pistelli Luisa , Martelli Alma , Calderone Vincenzo , Testai Lara , Zinnai Angela
Published: May 2020

Recently the use of food by-products as natural sources of biologically active substances has been extensively investigated especially for the development of functional foods fortified with natural antioxidants. Due to their content of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, flavonoids and limonoids, citrus peels could be suitable to formulate enriched olive oils able to boost healthy nutrition. The aim of this study was: (i) to determine the compositional and sensory profiles of citrus olive oil; and (ii) to evaluate its nutraceutical properties in rats with high fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress. The results obtained show the potential of using citrus peels as a source of bioactive compounds to improve the sensory profile as well as the phytochemical composition of olive oil. We demonstrated that the production system of Citrus x aurantium olive oil and Citrus limon olive oil improves its organoleptic properties without altering its beneficial effects, which, like control extra virgin olive oil, showed protective effects relating to glucose and serum lipid levels, metabolic activity of adipocytes, myocardial tissue functionality, oxidative stress markers and endothelial function at blood vessel level.
Global Vegetable Intake and Supply Compared to Recommendations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kalmpourtzidou Aliki , Eilander Ans , Talsma Elise F.
Published: May 2020

Low vegetable intake is associated with higher incidence of noncommunicable diseases. Data on global vegetable intake excluding legumes and potatoes is currently lacking. A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted to assess vegetable consumption and supply in adult populations and to compare these data to the existing recommendations (≥240 g/day according to World Health Organization). For vegetable intake data online, websites of government institutions and health authorities, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database, STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) and Pubmed/Medline databases were searched from March 2018 to June 2019. Vegetable supply data was extracted from Food Balance Sheets, Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT), 2013. Vegetable intake was expressed as means and 95% confidence intervals. Data were summarized for each region by calculating weighted means. Vegetable intake and supply data were available for 162 and 136 countries, respectively. Weighted mean vegetable intake was 186 g/day (56–349 g/day). Weighted mean vegetable supply was 431 g/day (71–882 g/day). For 88% of the countries vegetable intake was below the recommendations. Public health campaigns are required to encourage vegetable consumption worldwide. In the 61% of the countries where vegetable supply is currently insufficient to meet the recommendations, innovative food system approaches to improve yields and decrease post-harvest losses are imperative.
The Association between Vitamin D and Anti-Müllerian Hormone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Moridi Irene , Chen Alice , Tal Oded , Tal Reshef
Published: May 2020

Accumulating evidence from animal and human studies indicates a role for vitamin D in female reproductive physiology, and numerous clinical studies have suggested its potential benefit for various aspects of human reproduction. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an ovarian biomarker that plays an important role in folliculogenesis. It is the most sensitive ovarian reserve marker and is widely used clinically in reproductive medicine. While initial studies have suggested that vitamin D may be associated with ovarian reserve markers, including AMH, evidence has been conflicting. Currently, there is considerable debate in the field whether vitamin D has the capacity to influence ovarian reserve, as indicated by the AMH level. The current systematic review aims to evaluate and summarize the available evidence regarding the relationship between vitamin D and AMH. In total, 18 observational studies and 6 interventional studies were included in this systematic review. Cross-sectional studies have reported largely discrepant findings regarding an association between serum vitamin D and AMH levels, which are likely due to the heterogeneity in study populations, as well as the apparently complex relationship that may exist between vitamin D and AMH. However, meta-analysis of interventional studies performed herein that examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation on serum AMH levels indicates a cause-effect relationship between vitamin D and AMH, the direction of which appears to depend on a woman’s ovulatory status. Serum AMH was significantly decreased following vitamin D supplementation in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women (standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.53, 95% CI −0.91 to −0.15, p < 0.007), while it was significantly increased following vitamin D supplementation in ovulatory women without PCOS (SMD 0.49, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.80, p = 0.003). In conclusion, the results of this systematic review demonstrate that the relationship between vitamin D and AMH is a complex one, and large, randomized trials of vitamin D supplementation focusing on different vitamin D status ranges are necessary to gain more insight into the nature of this relationship and the potential benefit of vitamin D to female reproduction in general.
The Alpha-1 Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist Prazosin Reduces Binge-Like Eating in Rats
Authors: Hicks Callum , Sabino Valentina , Cottone Pietro
Published: May 2020

Background: Binge-eating disorder is a pervasive addiction-like disorder that is defined by excessive and uncontrollable consumption of food within brief periods of time. The aim of the current study was to examine the role of the brain noradrenergic system in binge-like eating through the use of the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist prazosin. Methods: For this purpose, we employed a limited access model whereby male Wistar rats were allowed to nosepoke for either chow (Chow rats) or a sugary, highly palatable food (Palatable rats) for 1 h/day. The effects of prazosin (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) were tested in a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) and progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. Results: The results show that prazosin preferentially reduced the responses for palatable food in a FR1 reinforcement schedule; when tested in a PR schedule of reinforcement, prazosin increased breakpoint in both Chow and Palatable rats, but more potently and more efficaciously in the latter. Our results suggest that prazosin treatment preferentially increased the motivational properties of the palatable diet. Conclusions: The current findings provide the characterization of the effects of prazosin on binge-like eating and offer support to the existing literature showing the important role of the noradrenergic system in addiction-like behavior.
The Healthy Eating Plate Advice for Migraine Prevention: An Interventional Study
Authors: Altamura Claudia , Cecchi Gianluca , Bravo Maria , Brunelli Nicoletta , Laudisio Alice , Di Caprio Paola , Botti Giorgia , Paolucci Matteo , Khazrai Yeganeh Manon , Vernieri Fabrizio
Published: May 2020

We aimed at evaluating the effect of the Healthy Eating Plate (HEP) education on migraine frequency and disability. At three evaluation times (T-12 = screening, 12 weeks before the intervention; T0 = time of the educational HEP intervention; and T12 = 12-week follow-up), the enrolled subjects underwent assessment of anthropometric and dietary patterns, monthly migraine days (MMDs), and disability scales (Migraine Disability Assessment score (MIDAS), MIDAS A, MIDAS B). The HEP score estimated adherence to dietary advice. We enrolled 204 out of 240 screened migraineurs, of these, 97 patients completed the follow-up. We defined ADHERENTS as patients presenting an increase in HEP scores from T0 to T12 and RESPONDERS as those with a reduction of at least 30% in MMDs. ADHERENTS presented a significant decrease in MMDs from T0 to T12. In particular, RESPONDERS reduced red, processed meat and carb intake compared to NON-RESPONDERS. Reduction in carb consumption also related to a decrease in perceived disability (MIDAS) and headache pain intensity (MIDAS B). Logistic regression confirmed that the HEP score increase and total carb decrease were related to a reduction in MMDs. This study showed that adherence to the HEP advice, particularly the reduction in carb, red and processed meat consumption, is useful in migraine management, reducing migraine frequency and disability. Trial registration: ISRCTN14092914.
Physicochemical Investigation of Psoralen Binding to Double Stranded DNA through Electroanalytical and Cheminformatic Approaches
Authors: Thomaz Douglas Vieira , de Oliveira Matheus Gabriel , Rodrigues Edson Silvio Batista , da Silva Vinicius Barreto , dos Santos Pierre Alexandre
Published: May 2020

This work showcased the first physicochemical investigation of psoralen (PSO) binding to double stranded DNA (dsDNA) through electroanalytical methods. Results evidenced that PSO presents one non-reversible anodic peak at electric potential (Epa) ≈ 1.42 V, which is associated with its oxidation and the formation of an epoxide derivative. Moreover, PSO analytical signal (i.e., faradaic current) decreases linearly with the addition of dsDNA, while the electric potential associated to PSO oxidation shifts towards more positive values, indicating thence that dsDNA addition hinders PSO oxidation. These findings were corroborated by the chemoinformatic study, which evidenced that PSO intercalated noncovalently at first between base-pairs of the DNA duplex, and then irreversibly formed adducts with both DNA strands, leading up to the formation of a cross-link which bridges the DNA helix, which explains the linear dependence between the faradaic current generated by PSO oxidation and the concentration of DNA in the test-solution, as well as the dependence between Ep and the addition of dsDNA solution. Therefore, the findings herein reported evidence of the applicability of electroanalytical approaches, such as voltammetry in the study of DNA intercalating agents.
Educational Applications of Buddhist Meditations on Death
Authors: Moon Hyun Gong
Published: May 2020

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is applied in various fields such as medicine, cognitive science, business, and education. The mindfulness of Buddhism is at the center of MBSR, and this means that Buddhist meditation has a great effect on modern society. For Buddhist meditations on death, the Aṅguttara Nikāya suggests mindfulness of death (maraṇasati), referring to ten methods of mindfulness and meditation on impurity (asubhānupassin), which are expounded in the Dīgha Nikāya. In this article, I explore two meditations on death that could have a positive effect if applied to an area of education like MBSR. Through numerous experiments, terror management theory (TMT) has proved that many positive psychological changes occur when human beings contemplate death. TMT argues that when mortality salience is triggered, psychological changes occur, such as considering internal values, such as the meaning of life and happiness, or increasing the frequency of carrying out good deeds for others, rather than focusing on external values (e.g., wealth, fame, and appearance). The educational application of Buddhist meditations on death is used in the same context and has a similar purpose to TMT. In addition, I discuss that meditations on death also have the effect of cultivating “the power of acceptance for death”, which is gained by everyone, including those who practice and their loved ones. For educational applications of meditations on death, the mindfulness of death is related to death and temporality, and meditation on impurity can be applied by using death-related images. Moreover, based on the duration of a session and the training time per session, I note that these methods can be applied only to meditation or mixed with the content of death-related education, for example, the meaning of death, the process of dying, near-death experiences, and grief education.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Using TechDemoSat-1 and CYGNSS Data to Estimate Soil Moisture over Mainland China
Authors: Yang Ting , Wan Wei , Sun Zhigang , Liu Baojian , Li Sen , Chen Xiuwan
Published: May 2020

Spaceborne Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) provides a new opportunity for land observation. This study is the first to compare and evaluate the performance of the only two spaceborne GNSS-R satellite missions whose data are publicly available, i.e., the UK’s TechdemoSat-1 (TDS-1) and the US’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), for sensitivity analysis with SMAP SM on a daily basis and soil moisture (SM) estimates on a monthly basis over Mainland China. For daily sensitivity analysis, the two data were matched up and compared for the period (i.e., May 2017 through April 2018) when they coexisted (R = 0.561 vs. R = 0.613). For monthly SM estimates, a back-propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) was used to construct a model using data from more than two years. The model was subsequently used to derive long-term and continuous SM maps over Mainland China. The results showed that TDS-1 and CYGNSS agree and correlate very well with the SMAP SM in Mainland China (R = 0.676, MAE = 0.052 m3m−3, and ubRMSE = 0.060 m3m−3 for TDS-1; R = 0.798, MAE = 0.040 m3m−3, and ubRMSE = 0.062 m3m−3 for CYGNSS). The retrieved results were further validated using monthly in situ SM data from dense sites across Mainland China. It was found that the SM derived from the TDS-1/CYGNSS also correlated well with in situ SM (R = 0.687, MAE = 0.066 m3m−3, and ubRMSE = 0.056 m3m−3 for TDS-1; R = 0.724, MAE = 0.052 m3m−3, and ubRMSE = 0.053 m3m−3 for CYGNSS). The results in this study suggested that TDS-1/CYGNSS and the upcoming spaceborne GNSS-R mission could be new and powerful data sources to produce SM data set at a large scale and with relatively high precision.