bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Expression and Photophysiological Changes in Pocillopora acuta Coral Holobiont Following Heat Stress and Recovery
Authors: Poquita-Du Rosa Celia , Goh Yi Le , Huang Danwei , Chou Loke Ming , Todd Peter A.
Published: August 2020

The ability of corals to withstand changes in their surroundings is a critical survival mechanism for coping with environmental stress. While many studies have examined responses of the coral holobiont to stressful conditions, its capacity to reverse responses and recover when the stressor is removed is not well-understood. In this study, we investigated among-colony responses of Pocillopora acuta from two sites with differing distance to the mainland (Kusu (closer to the mainland) and Raffles Lighthouse (further from the mainland)) to heat stress through differential expression analysis of target genes and quantification of photophysiological metrics. We then examined how these attributes were regulated after the stressor was removed to assess the recovery potential of P. acuta. The fragments that were subjected to heat stress (2 °C above ambient levels) generally exhibited significant reduction in their endosymbiont densities, but the extent of recovery following stress removal varied depending on natal site and colony. There were minimal changes in chl a concentration and maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm, the proportion of variable fluorescence (Fv) to maximum fluorescence (Fm)) in heat-stressed corals, suggesting that the algal endosymbionts’ Photosystem II was not severely compromised. Significant changes in gene expression levels of selected genes of interest (GOI) were observed following heat exposure and stress removal among sites and colonies, including Actin, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV (Camk4), kinesin-like protein (KIF9), and small heat shock protein 16.1 (Hsp16.1). The most responsive GOIs were Actin, a major component of the cytoskeleton, and the adaptive immune-related Camk4 which both showed significant reduction following heat exposure and subsequent upregulation during the recovery phase. Our findings clearly demonstrate specific responses of P. acuta in both photophysiological attributes and gene expression levels, suggesting differential capacity of P. acuta corals to tolerate heat stress depending on the colony, so that certain colonies may be more resilient than others.
Phytochemical, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Rhodiola crenulata
Authors: Zhong Lingyun , Peng Lianxin , Fu Jia , Zou Liang , Zhao Gang , Zhao Jianglin
Published: August 2020

The chemical components, as well as the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil (EO) and crude extracts prepared from Rhodiola crenulata were investigated. The essential oil was separated by hydrodistillation, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify its constituents. A total of twenty-seven compounds was identified from the EO, and its major components were 1-octanol (42.217%), geraniol (19.914%), and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol (13.151%). Solvent extraction and fractionation were applied for preparing the ethanol extract (crude extract, CE), petroleum ether extract (PE), ethyl acetate extract (EE), n-butanol extract (BE), and water extract (WE). The CE, EE and BE were abundant in phenols and flavonoids, and EE had the highest total phenol and total flavonoid contents. Gallic acid, ethyl gallate, rosavin and herbacetin were identified in the EE. The antibacterial activity results showed that the EO exhibited moderate inhibitory activity to the typical clinic bacteria, and EE exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity among the five extracts. For the compounds, ethyl gallate showed the strongest inhibitory activity to the test bacteria, and its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value for all the tested bacteria was 0.24 mg/mL and 0.48 mg/mL, respectively. The results of antioxidant activity showed that both CE and EE exhibited strong antioxidant activities in the DPPH radical scavenging and Fe2+ reducing power tests, however, EO showed relatively weaker antioxidant ability. Ethyl gallate and rosavin exhibited excellent activity in the DPPH radical scavenging assay, and their IC50 value was 5.3 µg/mL and 5.9 µg/mL, respectively. Rosavin showed better reduction power activity than the other three compounds. These results could provide more evidence for the traditional use of R. crenulata, and would be helpful for improving its application further.
Glucosamine Enhancement of BDNF Expression and Animal Cognitive Function
Authors: Chou Lien-Yu , Chao Yu-Ming , Peng Yen-Chun , Lin Hui-Ching , Wu Yuh-Lin
Published: August 2020

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important factor for memory consolidation and cognitive function. Protein kinase A (PKA) signaling interacts significantly with BDNF-provoked downstream signaling. Glucosamine (GLN), a common dietary supplement, has been demonstrated to perform a variety of beneficial physiological functions. In the current study, an in vivo model of 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice receiving daily intraperitoneal injection of GLN (0, 3, 10 and 30 mg/animal) was subjected to the novel object recognition test in order to determine cognitive performance. GLN significantly increased cognitive function. In the hippocampus GLN elevated tissue cAMP concentrations and CREB phosphorylation, and upregulated the expression of BDNF, CREB5 and the BDNF receptor TrkB, but it reduced PDE4B expression. With the in vitro model in the HT22 hippocampal cell line, GLN exposure significantly increased protein and mRNA levels of BDNF and CREB5 and induced cAMP responsive element (CRE) reporter activity; the GLN-mediated BDNF expression and CRE reporter induction were suppressed by PKA inhibitor H89. Our current findings suggest that GLN can exert a cognition-enhancing function and this may act at least in part by upregulating the BDNF levels via a cAMP/PKA/CREB-dependent pathway.
Theoretical Study of the Effect of π-Bridge on Optical and Electronic Properties of Carbazole-Based Sensitizers for DSSCs
Authors: Delgado-Montiel Tomás , Baldenebro-López Jesús , Soto-Rojo Rody , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: August 2020

Eight novel metal-free organic sensitizers were proposed for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), theoretically calculated and studied via density functional theory with D-π-A structure. These proposals were formed to study the effect of novel π-bridges, using carbazole as the donor group and cyanoacrylic acid as the anchorage group. Through the M06/6-31G(d) level of theory, ground state geometry optimization, vibrational frequencies, the highest occupied molecular orbital, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, and their energy levels were calculated. Further, chemical reactivity parameters were obtained and analyzed, such as chemical hardness (η), electrophilicity index (ω), electroaccepting power (ω+) and electrodonating power (ω-). Free energy of electron injection (ΔGinj) and light-harvesting efficiency (LHE) also were calculated and discussed. On the other hand, absorption wavelengths, oscillator strengths, and electron transitions were calculated through time-dependent density functional theory with the M06-2X/6-31G(d) level of theory. In conclusion, the inclusion of thiophene groups and the Si heteroatom in the π-bridge improved charge transfer, chemical stability, and other optoelectronic properties of carbazole-based dyes.
A Walk through Recent Nitro Chemistry Advances
Authors: Nishiwaki Nagatoshi
Published: August 2020

Chemistry of nitro groups and nitro compounds has long been intensively studied. Despite their long history, new reactions and methodologies are still being found today. This is due to the diverse reactivity of the nitro group. The importance of nitro chemistry will continue to increase in the future in terms of elaborate synthesis. In this article, we will take a walk through the recent advances in nitro chemistry that have been made in past decades.
Human, Animal and Plant Health Benefits of Glucosinolates and Strategies for Enhanced Bioactivity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maina Sylvia , Misinzo Gerald , Bakari Gaymary , Kim Ho-Youn
Published: August 2020

Glucosinolates (GSs) are common anionic plant secondary metabolites in the order Brassicales. Together with glucosinolate hydrolysis products (GSHPs), they have recently gained much attention due to their biological activities and mechanisms of action. We review herein the health benefits of GSs/GSHPs, approaches to improve the plant contents, their bioavailability and bioactivity. In this review, only literature published between 2010 and March 2020 was retrieved from various scientific databases. Findings indicate that these compounds (natural, pure, synthetic, and derivatives) play an important role in human/animal health (disease therapy and prevention), plant health (defense chemicals, biofumigants/biocides), and food industries (preservatives). Overall, much interest is focused on in vitro studies as anti-cancer and antimicrobial agents. GS/GSHP levels improvement in plants utilizes mostly biotic/abiotic stresses and short periods of phytohormone application. Their availability and bioactivity are directly proportional to their contents at the source, which is affected by methods of food preparation, processing, and extraction. This review concludes that, to a greater extent, there is a need to explore and improve GS-rich sources, which should be emphasized to obtain natural bioactive compounds/active ingredients that can be included among synthetic and commercial products for use in maintaining and promoting health. Furthermore, the development of advanced research on compounds pharmacokinetics, their molecular mode of action, genetics based on biosynthesis, their uses in promoting the health of living organisms is highlighted.
Opening up the Toolbox: Synthesis and Mechanisms of Phosphoramidates
Authors: Itumoh Emeka J. , Data Shailja , Leitao Erin M.
Published: August 2020

This review covers the main synthetic routes to and the corresponding mechanisms of phosphoramidate formation. The synthetic routes can be separated into six categories: salt elimination, oxidative cross-coupling, azide, reduction, hydrophosphinylation, and phosphoramidate-aldehyde-dienophile (PAD). Examples of some important compounds synthesized through these routes are provided. As an important class of organophosphorus compounds, the applications of phosphoramidate compounds, are also briefly introduced.
G-Quadruplexes at Telomeres: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Bryan Tracy M.
Published: August 2020

Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes that cap and protect the ends of linear chromosomes. In almost all species, telomeric DNA has a G/C strand bias, and the short tandem repeats of the G-rich strand have the capacity to form into secondary structures in vitro, such as four-stranded G-quadruplexes. This has long prompted speculation that G-quadruplexes play a positive role in telomere biology, resulting in selection for G-rich tandem telomere repeats during evolution. There is some evidence that G-quadruplexes at telomeres may play a protective capping role, at least in yeast, and that they may positively affect telomere maintenance by either the enzyme telomerase or by recombination-based mechanisms. On the other hand, G-quadruplex formation in telomeric DNA, as elsewhere in the genome, can form an impediment to DNA replication and a source of genome instability. This review summarizes recent evidence for the in vivo existence of G-quadruplexes at telomeres, with a focus on human telomeres, and highlights some of the many unanswered questions regarding the location, form, and functions of these structures.
Comparative Study of Conduction Mechanisms in Disodium Phthalocyanine-Based Organic Diodes for Flexible Electronics
Authors: Hamui Leon , Sánchez-Vergara María Elena , Díaz-Ortega N. , Salcedo Roberto
Published: August 2020

In the current work, flexible diodes with flat heterojunction and dispersed heterojunction architecture were manufactured with to study the behavior of thin films of disodium phthalocyanine (Na2Pc). The thin film devices, using the electronic acceptor tetracyano-π-quinodimethane (TCNQ), were fabricated by high-vacuum thermal evaporation with annealing post-treatment in order to optimize their behavior. Theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) with dispersion force analysis were carried out in order to simulate molecular interactions and to establish the nature of the weak interactions between the Na2Pc and TCNQ fragments. In the optimized structure of the coupled Na2Pc-TCNQ, the electronic relationship between phthalocyanine and TCNQ was observed to be through hydrogen bonds with bond lengths of 2.94 and 3.13 Å. Dispersed heterojunction device current density values were considerably larger than those of the flat heterojunction device. Barrier heights of 1.024 and 0.909 eV and charge mobilities of 10−10 and 10−9 m2/Vs for the flat heterojunction device and the dispersed heterojunction device, respectively, were observed. A small effect was observed on the electrical properties by thermal annealing on the flat heterojunction device. The threshold voltage decreased from 1.203 to 1.147 V and φb decreased by 0.001 eV.
Comparative Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds and Volatile Profile of White Cabbages
Authors: Lončarić Ante , Marček Tihana , Šubarić Domagoj , Jozinović Antun , Babić Jurislav , Miličević Borislav , Sinković Karmen , Šubarić Drago , Ačkar Đurđica
Published: August 2020

Cabbage is an important source of bioactive compound, which is available throughout the year. However, a lot of different traditional, and hybrid varieties with different levels and composition of bioactive compounds can be found on the market. The aim of the study was to obtain quantitative results showing comparative differences between different white cabbages (“Čepinski”, “Varaždinski”, “Bravo”, “Ogulinski”) from Croatia. Morphometric parameters and physicochemical composition were determined while using standard procedures. Phenolic acids were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and volatile compounds were analysed by the solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) smethod. The results showed that studied cabbage cultivars differed in physicochemical composition and morphological traits. Six phenolic acids were identified and quantified, whereas a sinapic acid was the most dominant component (65.9–78.15 mg/kg). Aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and terpenes were the major classes of organic volatile compounds present in the studied cabbages. “Čepinski”, which has never been analysed before, showed to contain the highest amount of d-limone (40.75 µg/L) and allyl isothiocyanate (1090.26 µg/L), the most important volatile compounds responsible for the fresh cabbage flavour. The presented results mark off “Čepinski” cultivar as valuable for larger production and further examination.
Resin-Based Sealant with Bioactive Glass and Zwitterionic Material for Remineralisation and Multi-Species Biofilm Inhibition
Authors: Lee Myung-Jin , Kim Ji-Yeong , Seo Ji-Young , Mangal Utkarsh , Cha Jung-Yul , Kwon Jae-Sung , Choi Sung-Hwan
Published: August 2020

Since pits and fissures are the areas most commonly affected by caries due to their structural irregularity, bioactive resin-based sealant (RBS) may contribute to the prevention of secondary caries. This study aims to investigate the mechanical, physical, ion-release, enamel remineralisation, and antibacterial capabilities of the novel RBS with bioactive glass (BAG) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). For the synthesis, 12.5 wt% BAG and 3 wt% MPC were incorporated into RBS. The contact angle, flexural strength, water sorption, solubility, and viscosity were investigated. The release of multiple ions relating to enamel remineralisation was investigated. Further, the attachments of bovine serum albumin, brain heart infusion broth, and Streptococcus mutans on RBS were studied. Finally, the thickness and biomass of a human saliva-derived microsm biofilm model were analysed before aging, with static immersion aging and with thermocycling aging. In comparison to commercial RBS, BAG+MPC increased the wettability, water sorption, solubility, viscosity, and release of multiple ions, while the flexural strength did not significantly differ. Furthermore, RBS with MPC and BAG+MPC significantly reduced protein and bacteria adhesion and suppressed multi-species biofilm attachment regardless of the existence of aging and its type. The novel RBS has great potential to facilitate enamel remineralisation and suppress biofilm adhesion, which could prevent secondary dental caries.
Increasing the Size-Selectivity in Laser-Based g/h Liquid Flow Synthesis of Pt and PtPd Nanoparticles for CO and NO Oxidation in Industrial Automotive Exhaust Gas Treatment Benchmarking
Authors: Dittrich S. , Kohsakowski S. , Wittek B. , Hengst C. , Gökce B. , Barcikowski S. , Reichenberger S.
Published: August 2020

PtPd catalysts are state-of-the-art for automotive diesel exhaust gas treatment. Although wet-chemical preparation of PtPd nanoparticles below 3 nm and kg-scale synthesis of supported PtPd/Al2O3 are already established, the partial segregation of the bimetallic nanoparticles remains an issue that adversely affects catalytic performance. As a promising alternative, laser-based catalyst preparation allows the continuous synthesis of surfactant-free, solid-solution alloy nanoparticles at the g/h-scale. However, the required productivity of the catalytically relevant size fraction <10 nm has yet to be met. In this work, by optimization of ablation and fragmentation conditions, the continuous flow synthesis of nanoparticles with a productivity of the catalytically relevant size fraction <10 nm of >1 g/h is presented via an in-process size tuning strategy. After the laser-based preparation of hectoliters of colloid and more than 2 kg of PtPd/Al2O3 wash coat, the laser-generated catalysts were benchmarked against an industry-relevant reference catalyst. The conversion of CO by laser-generated catalysts was found to be equivalent to the reference, while improved activity during NO oxidation was achieved. Finally, the present study validates that laser-generated catalysts meet the size and productivity requirements for industrial standard operating procedures. Hence, laser-based catalyst synthesis appears to be a promising alternative to chemical-based preparation of alloy nanoparticles for developing industrial catalysts, such as those needed in the treatment of exhaust gases.
Hydrogel Electrolytes Based on Xanthan Gum: Green Route towards Stable Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Galliano Simone , Bella Federico , Bonomo Matteo , Viscardi Guido , Gerbaldi Claudio , Boschloo Gerrit , Barolo Claudia
Published: August 2020

The investigation of innovative electrolytes based on nontoxic and nonflammable solvents is an up-to-date, intriguing challenge to push forward the environmental sustainability of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Water is one of the best choices, thus 100% aqueous electrolytes are proposed in this work, which are gelled with xanthan gum. This well-known biosourced polymer matrix is able to form stable and easily processable hydrogel electrolytes based on the iodide/triiodide redox couple. An experimental strategy, also supported by the multivariate chemometric approach, is used here to study the main factors influencing DSSCs efficiency and stability, leading to an optimized system able to improve its efficiency by 20% even after a 1200 h aging test, and reaching an overall performance superior to 2.7%. In-depth photoelectrochemical investigation demonstrates that DSSCs performance based on hydrogel electrolytes depends on many factors (e.g., dipping conditions, redox mediator concentrations, etc.), that must be carefully quantified and correlated in order to optimize these hydrogels. Photovoltaic performances are also extremely reproducible and stable in an open cell filled in air atmosphere, noticeably without any vacuum treatments.
Nanoengineering in Cardiac Regeneration: Looking Back and Going Forward
Authors: Cristallini Caterina , Vitale Emanuela , Giachino Claudia , Rastaldo Raffaella
Published: August 2020

To deliver on the promise of cardiac regeneration, an integration process between an emerging field, nanomedicine, and a more consolidated one, tissue engineering, has begun. Our work aims at summarizing some of the most relevant prevailing cases of nanotechnological approaches applied to tissue engineering with a specific interest in cardiac regenerative medicine, as well as delineating some of the most compelling forthcoming orientations. Specifically, this review starts with a brief statement on the relevant clinical need, and then debates how nanotechnology can be combined with tissue engineering in the scope of mimicking a complex tissue like the myocardium and its natural extracellular matrix (ECM). The interaction of relevant stem, precursor, and differentiated cardiac cells with nanoengineered scaffolds is thoroughly presented. Another correspondingly relevant area of experimental study enclosing both nanotechnology and cardiac regeneration, e.g., nanoparticle applications in cardiac tissue engineering, is also discussed.
Maternal Vitamin D Levels during Late Pregnancy and Risk of Allergic Diseases and Sensitization during the First Year of Life—A Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Woon Fui , Chin Yit , Ismail Intan , Abdul Latiff Amir , Batterham Marijka , Chan Yoke ,   on behalf of the MICOS Research Group
Published: August 2020

Allergic diseases are the most common chronic illness in childhood. Findings from developed countries have reported associations between Vitamin D levels during pregnancy and offspring allergy risk. This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the associations between maternal Vitamin D levels during late pregnancy and allergic diseases in Malaysian infants during the first year of life. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations of 380 pregnant women in the third trimester were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Children’s allergic outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months based on parental reports. Specific IgE antibodies against food and inhalant allergens were measured in infants at 12 months of age. A total of 43.2% pregnant women were Vitamin D deficient (<30 nmol/L) and 56.8% were nondeficient (≥30 nmol/L). A total of 27.6% of the infants had eczema, 6.1% had wheeze, 27.4% had food sensitization, 10.8% had inhalant allergen sensitization, and 3.8% had IgE-mediated food allergy during the first year of life. Compared with the nondeficient group, maternal Vitamin D deficiency in late pregnancy was not associated with any allergic outcomes after adjustment for potential confounding factors. In conclusion, the present study does not support an association between maternal Vitamin D levels in late pregnancy and allergic outcomes during the first year of life.
Do the Dietary Intakes of Pregnant Women Attending Public Hospital Antenatal Clinics Align with Australian Guide to Healthy Eating Recommendations?
Authors: Slater Kaylee , Rollo Megan E. , Szewczyk Zoe , Ashton Lee , Schumacher Tracy , Collins Clare
Published: August 2020

The maternal diet influences the long-term health status of both mother and offspring. The current study aimed to compare dietary intakes of pregnant women compared to food and nutrient recommendations in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) and Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). Usual dietary intake was assessed in a sample of women in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy attending antenatal outpatient clinics at John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW). Dietary intake was measured using the Australian Eating Survey, a validated, semi-quantitative 120-item food frequency questionnaire. Daily food group servings and nutrient intakes were compared to AGHE and NRV targets. Of 534 women participating, none met the AGHE recommendations for all food groups. Highest adherence was for fruit serves (38%), and lowest for breads and cereals (0.6%). Only four women met the pregnancy NRVs for folate, iron, calcium, zinc and fibre from food alone. Current dietary intakes of Australian women during pregnancy do not align with national nutrition guidelines. This highlights the importance of routine vitamin and mineral supplementation during pregnancy, as intakes from diet alone may commonly be inadequate. Future revisions of dietary guidelines and pregnancy nutrition recommendations should consider current dietary patterns. Pregnant women currently need more support to optimise food and nutrient intakes.
RETRACTED: Thymoquinone-Loaded Soy-Phospholipid-Based Phytosomes Exhibit Anticancer Potential against Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Alhakamy Nabil , Badr-Eldin Shaimaa , Fahmy Usama , Alruwaili Nabil , Awan Zuhier , Caruso Giuseppe , Alfaleh Mohamed , Alaofi Ahmed , Arif Faris , Ahmed Osama , Alghaith Adel
Published: August 2020

Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural polyphenol, has been associated with various pharmacological responses; however, low bioavailability of TQ limits its clinical application. Thus, a novel phytosomal delivery system of TQ-Phospholipon® 90H complex (TQ-phytosome) was developed by refluxing combined with anti-solvent precipitation. This TQ delivery system was optimized by a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design. The optimized TQ-phytosome size was (45.59 ± 1.82 nm) and the vesicle size was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro release pattern of the formulation indicated a biphasic release pattern, where an initial burst release was observed within 2 h, followed by a prolonged release. A remarkable increase in dose-dependent cytotoxicity was evident from the significant decrease in IC50 value of TQ-phytosomes (4.31 ± 2.21 µM) against the A549 cell line. The differential effect of TQ-phytosomes in cell cycle analysis was observed, where cancer cells were accumulated on G2-M and pre-G1 phases. Furthermore, increased apoptotic induction and cell necrosis of TQ-phytosomes were revealed with the annexin V staining technique via activation of caspase-3. In reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis, TQ-phytosomes acted to significantly increase ROS generation in A549 cells. In conclusion, the sustained release profile with significantly-improved anticancer potential could be obtained with TQ by this phytosomal nanocarrier platform.
Subset Analysis for Screening Drug–Drug Interaction Signal Using Pharmacovigilance Database
Authors: Noguchi Yoshihiro , Tachi Tomoya , Teramachi Hitomi
Published: August 2020

Many patients require multi-drug combinations, and adverse event profiles reflect not only the effects of individual drugs but also drug–drug interactions. Although there are several algorithms for detecting drug–drug interaction signals, a simple analysis model is required for early detection of adverse events. Recently, there have been reports of detecting signals of drug–drug interactions using subset analysis, but appropriate detection criterion may not have been used. In this study, we presented and verified an appropriate criterion. The data source used was the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database; “hypothetical” true data were generated through a combination of signals detected by three detection algorithms. The accuracy of the signal detection of the analytic model under investigation was verified using indicators used in machine learning. The newly proposed subset analysis confirmed that the signal detection was improved, compared with signal detection in the previous subset analysis, on the basis of the indicators of Accuracy (0.584 to 0.809), Precision (= Positive predictive value; PPV) (0.302 to 0.596), Specificity (0.583 to 0.878), Youden’s index (0.170 to 0.465), F-measure (0.399 to 0.592), and Negative predictive value (NPV) (0.821 to 0.874). The previous subset analysis detected many false drug–drug interaction signals. Although the newly proposed subset analysis provides slightly lower detection accuracy for drug–drug interaction signals compared to signals compared to the Ω shrinkage measure model, the criteria used in the newly subset analysis significantly reduced the amount of falsely detected signals found in the previous subset analysis.
Safety of Nanoclay/Spring Water Hydrogels: Assessment and Mobility of Hazardous Elements
Authors: García-Villén Fátima , Sánchez-Espejo Rita , Borrego-Sánchez Ana , Cerezo Pilar , Perioli Luana , Viseras César
Published: August 2020

The presence of impurities in medicinal products have to be controlled within safety limits from a pharmaceutical quality perspective. This matter is of special significance for those countries and regions where the directives, guidelines, or legislations, which prescribe the rules for the application of some products is quite selective or incomplete. Clay-based hydrogels are quite an example of this matter since they are topically administered, but, in some regions, they are not subjected to well-defined legal regulations. Since hydrogels establish an intimate contact with the skin, hazardous elements present in the ingredients could potentially be bioavailable and compromise their safety. The elemental composition and mobility of elements present in two hydrogels have been assessed. Sepiolite, palygorskite, and natural spring water were used as ingredients. The release of a particular element mainly depends on its position in the structure of the hydrogels, not only on its concentration in each ingredient. As a general trend, elements’ mobility reduced with time. Among the most dangerous elements, whose presence in cosmetics is strictly forbidden by European legal regulations, As and Cd were mobile, although in very low amounts (0.1 and 0.2 μg/100 g of hydrogel, respectively). That is, assuming 100% bioavailability, the studied hydrogels would be completely safe at normal doses. Although there is no sufficient evidence to confirm that their presence is detrimental to hydrogels safety, legally speaking, their mobility could hinder the authorization of these hydrogels as medicines or cosmetics. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that hydrogels prepared with sepiolite, palygorskite, and Alicún spring water could be topically applied without major intoxication risks.
Medicines Acceptability in Hospitalized Children: An Ongoing Need for Age-Appropriate Formulations
Authors: Vallet Thibault , Elhamdaoui Omar , Berraho Amina , Cherkaoui Lalla Ouafae , Kriouile Yamna , Mahraoui Chafiq , Mouane Nezha , Pense-Lheritier Anne-Marie , Ruiz Fabrice , Bensouda Yahya
Published: August 2020

Although knowledge on medicine acceptability remains fragmented, this multi-faceted concept has emerged as a key factor for compliance in pediatrics. In order to investigate the acceptability of medicines used in the University Medical Centre Ibn Sina (CHIS) of Rabat, Morocco, an observational study was conducted. Using a multivariate approach integrating the many aspects of acceptability, standardized observer reports were collected for 570 medicine intakes in patients up to the age of 16, then analyzed on a reference framework. Tablets appeared to be well accepted in children greater than 6 years old, but were crushed/dissolved for 90% of the 40 children aged from 3 to 5, and 100% of the 38 patients younger than 3. Moreover, the prescribed dose was fully taken for only 52% and 16% of these younger children, respectively. Despite this, tablets represented 24% of evaluations in children from 3 to 5 and 20% in infants and toddlers. Oral liquid preparations appeared to be better accepted than tablets in preschoolers, but not for those under 3. Overall, these findings highlight the lack of suitable alternatives for the younger children, especially for formulations of antiepileptics, antithrombotic, and psycholeptic agents in the local context.
Correction: Oveisgharan, S., et al. Evaluating the Preconditions of Two Remote Sensing SWE Retrieval Algorithms over the US, Remote Sensing 2020, 12, 2021
Authors: Oveisgharan Shadi , Esteban-Fernandez Daniel , Waliser Duane E. , Friedl Randall R , Nghiem Son V. , Zeng Xubin
Published: August 2020

The authors would like to add Radar to the title for more clarification [...]
Underwater 3D Rigid Object Tracking and 6-DOF Estimation: A Case Study of Giant Steel Pipe Scale Model Underwater Installation
Authors: Jhan Jyun-Ping , Rau Jiann-Yeou , Chou Chih-Ming
Published: August 2020

The Zengwen desilting tunnel project installed an Elephant Trunk Steel Pipe (ETSP) at the bottom of the reservoir that is designed to connect the new bypass tunnel and reach downward to the sediment surface. Since ETSP is huge and its underwater installation is an unprecedented construction method, there are several uncertainties in its dynamic motion changes during installation. To assure construction safety, a 1:20 ETSP scale model was built to simulate the underwater installation procedure, and its six-degrees-of-freedom (6-DOF) motion parameters were monitored by offline underwater 3D rigid object tracking and photogrammetry. Three cameras were used to form a multicamera system, and several auxiliary devices—such as waterproof housing, tripods, and a waterproof LED—were adopted to protect the cameras and to obtain clear images in the underwater environment. However, since it is difficult for the divers to position the camera and ensure the camera field of view overlap, each camera can only observe the head, middle, and tail parts of ETSP, respectively, leading to a small overlap area among all images. Therefore, it is not possible to perform a traditional method via multiple images forward intersection, where the camera’s positions and orientations have to be calibrated and fixed in advance. Instead, by tracking the 3D coordinates of ETSP and obtaining the camera orientation information via space resection, we propose a multicamera coordinate transformation and adopted a single-camera relative orientation transformation to calculate the 6-DOF motion parameters. The offline procedure is to first acquire the 3D coordinates of ETSP by taking multiposition images with a precalibrated camera in the air and then use the 3D coordinates as control points to perform the space resection of the calibrated underwater cameras. Finally, we calculated the 6-DOF of ETSP by using the camera orientation information through both multi- and single-camera approaches. In this study, we show the results of camera calibration in the air and underwater environment, present the 6-DOF motion parameters of ETSP underwater installation and the reconstructed 4D animation, and compare the differences between the multi- and single-camera approaches.
High-Rankness Regularized Semi-Supervised Deep Metric Learning for Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Kang Jian , Fernández-Beltrán Rubén , Ye Zhen , Tong Xiaohua , Ghamisi Pedram , Plaza Antonio
Published: August 2020

Deep metric learning has recently received special attention in the field of remote sensing (RS) scene characterization, owing to its prominent capabilities for modeling distances among RS images based on their semantic information. Most of the existing deep metric learning methods exploit pairwise and triplet losses to learn the feature embeddings with the preservation of semantic-similarity, which requires the construction of image pairs and triplets based on the supervised information (e.g., class labels). However, generating such semantic annotations becomes a completely unaffordable task in large-scale RS archives, which may eventually constrain the availability of sufficient training data for this kind of models. To address this issue, we reformulate the deep metric learning scheme in a semi-supervised manner to effectively characterize RS scenes. Specifically, we aim at learning metric spaces by utilizing the supervised information from a small number of labeled RS images and exploring the potential decision boundaries for massive sets of unlabeled aerial scenes. In order to reach this goal, a joint loss function, composed of a normalized softmax loss with margin and a high-rankness regularization term, is proposed, as well as its corresponding optimization algorithm. The conducted experiments (including different state-of-the-art methods and two benchmark RS archives) validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach for RS image classification, clustering and retrieval tasks. The codes of this paper are publicly available.
Management Zone Delineation for Site-Specific Fertilization in Rice Crop Using Multi-Temporal RapidEye Imagery
Authors: Karydas Christos , Iatrou Miltiadis , Iatrou George , Mourelatos Spiros
Published: August 2020

The objective of this research is to assess the potential of satellite imagery in detecting soil heterogeneity, with a focus on site-specific fertilization in rice. The basic hypothesis is that spectral variation would express soil fertility variations analogously. A 100-ha rice crop, located in the Plain of Thessaloniki, Greece, was selected as the study area for the 2016 cropping season. Three RapidEye images were acquired during critical growth stages of rice cultivation from the previous year (2015). Management zones were delineated with image segmentation of a 15-band multi-temporal composite of the RapidEye images (three dates × five bands), using the Fractal Net Evolution Approach (FNEA) algorithm. Then, an equal number of soil samples were collected from the centroid of each management zone before seedbed preparation. The between-zone variation of the soil properties was found to be 33.7% on average, whereas the within-zone variation 18.2%. The basic hypothesis was confirmed, and moreover, it was proved that zonal applications reduced within-zone soil variation by 18.6% compared to conventional uniform applications. Finally, between-zone soil variation was significant enough to dictate differentiated fertilization recommendations per management zone by 24.5% for the usual inputs.
Sensitivity of Altimeter Wave Height Assessment to Data Selection
Authors: Quartly Graham D. , Kurekin Andrey A.
Published: August 2020

This paper addresses the issue of how the selection of buoys and the calculation of altimeter averages affect the metrics characterising the errors of altimetric wave height estimates. The use of a 51-point median reduces the sensitivity to occasional outliers, but the quality of this measure can be improved by demanding that there is a minimum number of valid measurements. This had a marked impact in both the open ocean and the coastal zone. It also affected the relative ordering of algorithms’ performances, as some fared poorly when a representative value was gleaned from a single waveform inversion, but had a much better ranking when a minimum of 20 values were used. Validation procedures could also be improved by choosing altimeter-buoy pairings that showed a good consistency. This paper demonstrated an innovative procedure using the median of the different retrackers analysed, which can be easily extended to other data validation exercises. This led to improved comparison statistics for all algorithms in the open ocean, with many showing errors less than 0.2 m, but there was only one strong change in the relative performance of the 11 Jason-3 retrackers. For Sentinel-3A, removing the inconsistent coastal buoys showed that all of the new algorithms had similar errors of just over 0.2 m. Thus, although improvements were found in the procedure used for the Sea State Round Robin exercise, the relative rankings for the buoy calibrations are mostly unaffected.
Smart Graphite–Cement Composite for Roadway-Integrated Weigh-In-Motion Sensing
Authors: Birgin Hasan Borke , D’Alessandro Antonella , Laflamme Simon , Ubertini Filippo
Published: August 2020

Smart multifunctional composites exhibit enhanced physical and mechanical properties and can provide structures with new capabilities. The authors have recently initiated a research program aimed at developing new strain-sensing pavement materials enabling roadway-integrated weigh-in motion (WIM) sensing. The goal is to achieve an accurate WIM for infrastructure monitoring at lower costs and with enhanced durability compared to off-the-shelf solutions. Previous work was devoted to formulating a signal processing algorithm for estimating the axle number and weights, along with the vehicle speed based on the outputs of a piezoresistive pavement material deployed within a bridge deck. This work proposes and characterizes a suitable low-cost and highly scalable cement-based composite with strain-sensing capabilities and sufficient sensitivity to meet WIM signal requirements. Graphite cement-based smart composites are presented, and their electromechanical properties are investigated in view of their application to WIM. These composites are engineered for scalability owing to the ease of dispersion of the graphite powder in the cement matrix, and can thus be used to build smart sections of road pavements. The research presented in this paper consists of electromechanical tests performed on samples of different amounts of graphite for the identification of the optimal mix in terms of signal sensitivity. An optimum inclusion level of 20% by weight of cement is obtained and selected for the fabrication of a plate of 30 × 15 × 5 cm3. Results from load identification tests conducted on the plate show that the proposed technology is capable of WIM.
Field Monitoring and Analysis of the Vibration of Stay Cables under Typhoon Conditions
Authors: Guo Jian , Zhu Xujiang
Published: August 2020

Structural health monitoring systems provide many advantages for full-scale measurements in bridge monitoring. In this study, a strong landing typhoon event recorded at the Jintang Bridge (Zhejiang Province, China) in 2019 was selected to study the nonstationary wind and cable vibration characteristics. To study the characteristics of the recorded typhoon, the time-varying mean wind was extracted based on the adaptive method of the wavelet-matrix transform. The nonstationary characteristics of Typhoon Lekima, including the turbulence intensity, gust factor, and fluctuating wind power spectral density, were analyzed and compared with the stationary model characteristics of a typhoon, and the typical characteristics and parameters were obtained. In addition, the measured vibration response of the cables was analyzed. The vibration characteristics of the cables and the energy distribution of the wind speed wavelet packet were investigated. The vibrations at different positions were compared. A power spectrum analysis and a wavelet packet energy analysis of the cable were performed. The results of this study can be used as a basis for wind-resistant design and performance evaluation of bridges under similar operational conditions.
The Potential Role of Sensors, Wearables and Telehealth in the Remote Management of Diabetes-Related Foot Disease
Authors: Golledge Jonathan , Fernando Malindu , Lazzarini Peter , Najafi Bijan , G. Armstrong David
Published: August 2020

Diabetes-related foot disease (DFD), which includes foot ulcers, infection and gangrene, is a leading cause of the global disability burden. About half of people who develop DFD experience a recurrence within one year. Long-term medical management to reduce the risk of recurrence is therefore important to reduce the global DFD burden. This review describes research assessing the value of sensors, wearables and telehealth in preventing DFD. Sensors and wearables have been developed to monitor foot temperature, plantar pressures, glucose, blood pressure and lipids. The monitoring of these risk factors along with telehealth consultations has promise as a method for remotely managing people who are at risk of DFD. This approach can potentially avoid or reduce the need for face-to-face consultations. Home foot temperature monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring and telehealth consultations are the approaches for which the most highly developed and user-friendly technology has been developed. A number of clinical studies in people at risk of DFD have demonstrated benefits when using one of these remote monitoring methods. Further development and evidence are needed for some of the other approaches, such as home plantar pressure and footwear adherence monitoring. As yet, no composite remote management program incorporating remote monitoring and the management of all the key risk factors for DFD has been developed and implemented. Further research assessing the feasibility and value of combining these remote monitoring approaches as a holistic way of preventing DFD is needed.
Development of an Ultrasonic Doppler Sensor-Based Swallowing Monitoring and Assessment System
Authors: Choi Younggeun , Kim Minjae , Lee Baekhee , Yang Xiaopeng , Kim Jinwon , Kwon Dohoon , Lee Sang-Eok , Kim HyangHee , Nam Seok In , Hong Saewon , Yang Giltae , Na Duk L. , You Heecheon
Published: August 2020

Existing swallowing evaluation methods using X-ray or endoscopy are qualitative. The present study develops a swallowing monitoring and assessment system (SMAS) that is nonintrusive and quantitative. The SMAS comprises an ultrasonic Doppler sensor array, a microphone, and an inertial measurement unit to measure ultrasound signals originating only from swallowing activities. Ultrasound measurements were collected for combinations of two viscosity conditions (water and yogurt) and two volume conditions (3 mL and 9 mL) from 24 healthy participants (14 males and 10 females; age = 30.5 ± 7.6 years) with no history of swallowing disorders and were quantified for 1st peak amplitude, 2nd peak amplitude, peak-to-peak (PP) time interval, duration, energy, and proportion of two or more peaks. The peak amplitudes and energy significantly decreased by viscosity and the PP time interval and duration increased by volume. The correlation between the time measures were higher (r = 0.78) than that of the amplitude measures (r = 0.30), and the energy highly correlated with the 1st peak amplitude (r = 0.86). The proportion of two or more peaks varied from 76.8% to 87.9% by viscosity and volume. Further research is needed to examine the concurrent validity and generalizability of the ultrasonic Doppler sensor-based SMAS.
Cutting Forces Assessment in CNC Machining Processes: A Critical Review
Authors: Sousa Vitor F. C. , Silva Francisco J. G. , Fecheira José S. , Lopes Hernâni M. , Martinho Rui Pedro , Casais Rafaela B. , Ferreira Luís Pinto
Published: August 2020

Machining processes remain an unavoidable technique in the production of high-precision parts. Tool behavior is of the utmost importance in machining productivity and costs. Tool performance can be assessed by the roughness left on the machined surfaces, as well as of the forces developed during the process. There are various techniques to determine these cutting forces, such as cutting force prediction or measurement, using dynamometers and other sensor systems. This technique has often been used by numerous researchers in this area. This paper aims to give a review of the different techniques and devices for measuring the forces developed for machining processes, allowing a quick perception of the advantages and limitations of each technique, through the literature research carried out, using recently published works.