bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Petrological Study of Ferrous Burden-Crucible Interaction in Softening & Melting Experiments: Implications for the Relevance of Pressure Drop Measurements
Authors: Small James , Adema Allert , Andreev Kirill , Zinngrebe Enno
Published: December 2018

Numerous tests are used worldwide to investigate the advanced high temperature reduction, softening, and melting (S&M) of blast furnace ferrous burden material. Commonly, the curve of pressure drop (dP) against temperature, measured over the experimental charge, is taken as directly indicative of the evolution of ferrous layer permeability. Previous authors have expressed concerns about the reproducibility and practical relevance of dP measurements due to narrow crucible diameter and wall effects. Petrological study of samples from interrupted Advanced Softening and Melting (ASAM) experiments, performed with ferrous burdens comprising a mixture of pellets (C/S 0.1–0.7) and highly basic sinter (C/S 2.4–3.5), sheds light on the nature and controlling mechanisms of systematic artefacts influencing the measurement of dP. The observations imply that the dP-T curves in ASAM, and likely other similar S&M, tests most immediately reflect the varying ease of gas flow in a sidewall bypass around the qualitatively impermeable ferrous burden layer, rather than through it. This is controlled by the formation of diverse oxide(-slag)-metal segregations at the exterior of the ferrous burden layer. The potential correlation of parameters derived from dP measurements with input burden characteristics is not in itself sufficient evidence that the measurements are indicative of the ferrous layer permeability.
A Further Evaluation of the Coupling Relationship between Dephosphorization and Desulfurization Abilities or Potentials for CaO-based Slags: Influence of Slag Chemical Composition
Authors: Yang Xue-min , Li Jin-yan , Zhang Meng , Yan Fang-jia , Duan Dong-ping , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2018

The coupling relationships between dephosphorization and desulfurization abilities or potentials for CaO–FeO–Fe2O3–Al2O3–P2O5 slags over a large variation range of slag oxidization ability during the secondary refining process of molten steel have been proposed by the present authors as log L P + 5 log L S or log C PO 4 3 − + log C S 2 − in the reducing zone and as log L P + log L S − 5 log N Fe t O or log C PO 4 3 − + log C S 2 − − log N FeO in the oxidizing zone based on the ion and molecule coexistence theory (IMCT). In order to further verify the validation and feasibility of the proposed coupling relationships, the effects of chemical composition of the CaO-based slags are provided. The chemical composition of slags was described by three group parameters including reaction abilities of components represented by the mass action concentrations N i , two kinds of slag basicity as simplified complex basicity ( %   CaO ) / [ ( %   P 2 O 5 ) + ( %   Al 2 O 3 ) ] and optical basicity Λ , and the comprehensive effect of iron oxides FetO and basic oxide CaO. Comparing with the strong effects of chemical composition of the CaO-based slags on dephosphorization and desulfurization abilities or potentials, the proposed coupling relationships have been confirmed to not only be independent of slag oxidization ability as expected but also irrelevant to the aforementioned three groups of parameters for representing the chemical composition of the CaO-based slags. Increasing temperature from 1811 to 1927 K (1538 to 1654 °C) can result in a decreasing tendency of the proposed coupling relationships. In terms of the proposed coupling relationships, chemical composition of slags or fluxes with assigned dephosphorization ability or potential can be theoretically designed or optimized from its desulfurization ability or potential, and vice versa. Considering the large difference of magnitude between phosphate capacity C PO 4 3 − and sulfide capacity C S 2 − , the proposed coupling relationships between dephosphorization and desulfurization abilities for CaO-based slags are recommended to design or optimize chemical composition of slags.
Measuring Structural Heterogeneities in Metallic Glasses Using Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Tian Lin , Volkert Cynthia A.
Published: December 2018

Local heterogeneities in the structure and properties of metallic glasses have recently been predicted by computer simulations and also observed in experiments. These heterogeneities are important in understanding the stability and performance of metallic glasses. Progress has been made in measuring heterogeneities in elastic properties and local density down to length scales of less than 10 nm. In this review, we focus on studies of structural and mechanical heterogeneities with emphasis on those achieved by transmission electron microscopy which has an excellent spatial resolution, multifunctional detection modes, as well as in-situ testing capabilities. We argue that the next important step in understanding the behavior of metallic glasses lies in understanding the spatial and temporal correlations between the various structural and mechanical heterogeneities.
Microwave Sintering of Ti6Al4V: Optimization of Processing Parameters for Maximal Tensile Strength and Minimal Pore Size
Authors: Singh Dilpreet , Rana Abhishek , Sharma Pawan , Pandey Pulak Mohan , Kalyanasundaram Dinesh
Published: December 2018

Pressureless sintering is a powder metallurgical process wherein the powder particles are sintered without the aid of any compressive force. Though this additive manufacturing process is economical, the strength of the component is undermined due to the presence of pores; the elimination of which is a challenge. In this work, the optimal process parameters for the pressureless microwave sintering of a grade 5 titanium alloy that yields higher tensile strength and minimum sizes of pores were obtained. The three process parameters (sintering temperature, heating rate, and holding time) were experimented at five different levels using the design of experiments (DOE). Post sintering, the tensile strength was assessed as per ASTM standard B925-15, while the pore size was evaluated, non-destructively, using micro-computed tomography (µ-CT). The optimal process parameters that yielded minimum size pores were: sintering temperature—1293 °C, heating rate—6.65 °C/min; and holding time—72 min.
Study of Formed Oxides in IN718 Alloy during the Fabrication by Selective Laser Melting and Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Yu Hao , Hayashi Shigenari , Kakehi Koji , Kuo Yen-Ling
Published: December 2018

This study confirmed that Al2O3 particles were formed in IN718 alloys during the fabrication by both selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM). Different heat pattern and atmospheres in SLM and EBM result in different distribution and volume fraction of Al2O3 particles. The Al2O3 oxides would act as nucleation sites for the precipitation of Nb/Ti carbides, leading to the formation of unique core-shell composites with Al2O3 in the center and Ti/Nb at the periphery. In order to investigate the oxygen content introduced during SLM and EBM, the volume fraction of Al2O3 formed in spark plasm sintering (SPS)-fabricated substrate, by consolidating the pre-oxidized IN718 raw powders at 800 °C, was utilized. The oxygen contents introduced to IN718 substrates during SLM and EBM fabrication were calculated to be 0.030 wt% and 0.099 wt%, respectively.
A High-Performance Digital Interface Circuit for a High-Q Micro-Electromechanical System Accelerometer
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Hu Jianping , Liu Xiaowei
Published: December 2018

Micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers are widely used in the inertial navigation and nanosatellites field. A high-performance digital interface circuit for a high-Q MEMS micro-accelerometer is presented in this work. The mechanical noise of the MEMS accelerometer is decreased by the application of a vacuum-packaged sensitive element. The quantization noise in the baseband of the interface circuit is greatly suppressed by a 4th-order loop shaping. The digital output is attained by the interface circuit based on a low-noise front-end charge-amplifier and a 4th-order Sigma-Delta (ΣΔ) modulator. The stability of high-order ΣΔ was studied by the root locus method. The gain of the integrators was reduced by using the proportional scaling technique. The low-noise front-end detection circuit was proposed with the correlated double sampling (CDS) technique to eliminate the 1/f noise and offset. The digital interface circuit was implemented by 0.35 μm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The high-performance digital accelerometer system was implemented by double chip integration and the active interface circuit area was about 3.3 mm × 3.5 mm. The high-Q MEMS accelerometer system consumed 10 mW from a single 5 V supply at a sampling frequency of 250 kHz. The micro-accelerometer system could achieve a third harmonic distortion of −98 dB and an average noise floor in low-frequency range of less than −140 dBV; a resolution of 0.48 μg/Hz1/2 (@300 Hz); a bias stability of 18 μg by the Allen variance program in MATLAB.
3D Modeling of the Epembe (Namibia) Nb-Ta-P-(LREE) Carbonatite Deposit: New Insights into Geometry Related to Rare Metal Enrichment
Authors: Unger Gabriel , Zimmermann Robert , Gloaguen Richard
Published: December 2018

Geological 3D modeling delivers essential information on the distribution of enrichment zones and structures in (complex) mineral deposits and fosters a better guidance to subsequent exploration stages. The Paleoproterozoic Epembe carbonatite complex showcases the close relation between enrichment of specific elements (Nb, Ta, P, Total Rare Earth Element (TREE) + Y) and shear zones by structural modeling combined with geochemical interpolation. Three-dimensional fault surfaces based on structural field observations, geological maps, cross-sections, and drillhole data are visualized. The model shows a complex, dextral transpressive fault system. Three-dimensional interpolation of geochemical data demonstrates enrichment of Nb, Ta, P, and TREE + Y in small, isolated, lens-shaped, high-grade zones in close spatial distance to faults. Based on various indicators (e.g., oscillating variograms, monazite rims around the apatite) and field evidence, we see evidence for enrichment during hydrothermal (re-)mobilization rather than due to magmatic differentiation related to the formation of the alkaline system. This is further supported by geostatistical analysis of the three-dimensional distribution of Nb, Ta, P, and Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) with respect to discrete shear zones.
40Ar/39Ar Geochronology of the Malyy (Little) Murun Massif, Aldan Shield of the Siberian Craton: A Simple Story for an Intricate Igneous Complex
Authors: Ivanov Alexei V. , Vladykin Nikolay V. , Demonterova Elena I. , Gorovoy Viktor A. , Dokuchits Emilia Yu.
Published: December 2018

The Malyy (Little) Murun massif of the Aldan Shield of the Siberian Craton has long been a kind of Siberian Mecca for geologists. It has attracted thousands of geologists, prospectors, and mineral collectors despite its remote location. It is famous for a dozen new and rare minerals, including the gemstones charoite and dianite (the latter is the market name for strontian potassicrichrerite), as well as for a range of uncommon alkaline igneous rocks. Despite this, the age of the Malyy Murun igneous complex and associated metasomatic and hydrothermal mineral associations has remained poorly constrained until now. In this paper, we provide extensive 40Ar/39Ar geochronological data to reveal its age and temporal history. It appears that, although unique in terms of rocks and constituent minerals, the Malyy Murun is just one of multiple alkaline massifs and lavas emplaced in the Early Cretaceous (~137–128 Ma) within a framework of the extensional setting of the Aldan Shield and nearby Transbaikalian region. The extension took place 40–60 million years after the supposed closure of the Mongolia–Okhotsk Ocean and orogenic peak in the Early–Middle Jurassic.
5-Phenyl-10,15,20-Tris(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin: Synthesis, Catalysis, and Structural Studies
Authors: Arlegui Aitor , El-Hachemi Zoubir , Crusats Joaquim , Moyano Albert
Published: December 2018

A convenient protocol for the preparation of 5-phenyl-10,15,20-tris(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin, a water-soluble porphyrin with unique aggregation properties, is described. The procedure relies on the one-pot reductive deamination of 5-(4-aminophenyl)-10,15,20-tris(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin, that can be in turn easily obtained from 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin by a known three-step sequence involving mononitration, nitro to amine reduction and sulfonation of the phenyl groups. This method provides the title porphyrin in gram scale, and compares very favorably with the up to now only described procedure based on the partial sulfonation of TPP, that involves a long and tedious chromatographic enrichment of the final compound. This has allowed us to study for the first time both the use of its zwitterionic aggregate as a supramolecular catalyst of the aqueous Diels–Alder reaction, and the morphology of the aggregates obtained under optimized experimental conditions by atomic force microscopy and also by transmission electron cryomicroscopy.
Native Quercetin as a Chloride Receptor in an Organic Solvent
Authors: Abdi Bellau Mohamed Lamin , Bortolini Olga , Fantin Giancarlo , Fogagnolo Marco , Ragno Daniele , Delso Ignacio , Merino Pedro
Published: December 2018

The binding properties of quercetin toward chloride anions were investigated by means of 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) measurements, as well as computational calculations. The results indicate that quercetin behaves primarily as a ditopic receptor with the binding site of the B ring that exhibits stronger chloride affinity compared to the A ring. However, these sites are stronger receptors than those of catechol and resorcinol because of their conjugation with the carbonyl group located on the C ring. The 1:1 and 1:2 complexation of this flavonoid with Cl− was also supported by ESI mass spectrometry.
Chemoinformatic Analysis of Selected Cacalolides from Psacalium decompositum (A. Gray) H. Rob. & Brettell and Psacalium peltatum (Kunth) Cass. and Their Effects on FcεRI-Dependent Degranulation in Mast Cells
Authors: Castillo-Arellano Jorge Iván , Gómez-Verjan Juan Carlos , Rojano-Vilchis Nadia A. , Mendoza-Cruz Myrna , Jiménez-Estrada Manuel , López-Valdés Héctor E. , Martínez-Coria Hilda , Gutiérrez-Juárez Roger , González-Espinosa Claudia , Reyes-Chilpa Ricardo , Arrieta-Cruz Isabel
Published: December 2018

Cacalolides are a kind of sesquiterpenoids natural compounds synthesized by Psacalium decompositum (A. Gray) H. Rob. & Brettell or Psacalium peltatum (Kunth) Cass. Antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects have been found for cacalolides such as cacalol, cacalone or maturine, however, their effects on inflammatory processes are still largely unclear. The main aim of this study was to investigate the biological activities of secondary metabolites from P. decompositum and P. peltatum through two approaches: (1) chemoinformatic and toxicoinformatic analysis based on ethnopharmacologic background; and (2) the evaluation of their potential anti-inflammatory/anti-allergic effects in bone marrow-derived mast cells by IgE/antigen complexes. The bioinformatics properties of the compounds: cacalol; cacalone; cacalol acetate and maturin acetate were evaluated through Osiris DataWarrior software and Molinspiration and PROTOX server. In vitro studies were performed to test the ability of these four compounds to inhibit antigen-dependent degranulation and intracellular calcium mobilization, as well as the production of reactive oxygen species in bone marrow-derived mast cells. Our findings showed that cacalol displayed better bioinformatics properties, also exhibited a potent inhibitory activity on IgE/antigen-dependent degranulation and significantly reduced the intracellular calcium mobilization on mast cells. These data suggested that cacalol could reduce the negative effects of the mast cell-dependent inflammatory process.
Probing the Structural Determinants of Amino Acid Recognition: X-Ray Studies of Crystalline Ditopic Host-Guest Complexes of the Positively Charged Amino Acids, Arg, Lys, and His with a Cavitand Molecule
Authors: Brancatelli Giovanna , Dalcanale Enrico , Pinalli Roberta , Geremia Silvano
Published: December 2018

Crystallization of tetraphosphonate cavitand Tiiii[H, CH3, CH3] in the presence of positively charged amino acids, namely arginine, lysine, or histidine, afforded host-guest complex structures. The X-ray structure determination revealed that in all three structures, the fully protonated form of the amino acid is ditopically complexed by two tetraphosphonate cavitand molecules. Guanidinium, ammonium, and imidazolium cationic groups of the amino acid side chain are hosted in the cavity of a phosphonate receptor, and are held in place by specific hydrogen bonding interactions with the P=O groups of the cavitand molecule. In all three structures, the positively charged α-ammonium groups form H-bonds with the P=O groups, and with a water molecule hosted in the cavity of a second tetraphosphonate molecule. Furthermore, water-assisted dimerization was observed for the cavitand/histidine ditopic complex. In this 4:2 supramolecular complex, a bridged water molecule is held by two carboxylic acid groups of the dimerized amino acid. The structural information obtained on the geometrical constrains necessary for the possible encapsulation of the amino acids are important for the rational design of devices for analytical and medical applications.
Ethyl Rosmarinate Protects High Glucose-Induced Injury in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Shen Yan-Hui , Wang Li-Ying , Zhang Bao-Bao , Hu Qi-Ming , Wang Pu , He Bai-Qiu , Bao Guan-Hu , Liang Jing-Yu , Wu Fei-Hua
Published: December 2018

Ethyl rosmarinate (RAE) is one of the active constituents from Clinopodium chinense (Benth.) O. Kuntze, which is used for diabetic treatment in Chinese folk medicine. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of RAE on high glucose-induced injury in endothelial cells and explored its underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that both RAE and rosmarinic acid (RA) increased cell viability, decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and attenuated high glucose-induced endothelial cells apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by Hochest staining, Annexin V–FITC/PI double staining, and caspase-3 activity. RAE and RA both elevated Bcl-2 expression and reduced Bax expression, according to Western blot. We also found that LY294002 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, or PI3K inhibitor) weakened the protective effect of RAE. In addition, PDTC (nuclear factor-κB, or NF-κB inhibitor) and SP600125 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase, or JNK inhibitor) could inhibit the apoptosis in endothelial cells caused by high glucose. Further, we demonstrated that RAE activated Akt, and the molecular docking analysis predicted that RAE showed more affinity with Akt than RA. Moreover, we found that RAE inhibited the activation of NF-κB and JNK. These results suggested that RAE protected endothelial cells from high glucose-induced apoptosis by alleviating reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and regulating the PI3K/Akt/Bcl-2 pathway, the NF-κB pathway, and the JNK pathway. In general, RAE showed greater potency than RA equivalent.
Small Molecular Weight Aldose (d-Glucose) and Basic Amino Acids (l-Lysine, l-Arginine) Increase the Occurrence of PAHs in Grilled Pork Sausages
Authors: Nie Wen , Cai Ke-zhou , Li Yu-zhu , Zhang Shuo , Wang Yu , Guo Jie , Chen Cong-gui , Xu Bao-cai
Published: December 2018

(1) Background: Amino acids and carbohydrates are widely used as additives in the food industry. These compounds have been proven to be an influencing factor in the production of chemical carcinogenic compounds polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, the effect of the properties of the amino acids and carbohydrates on the production of PAHs is still little known. (2) Methods: We added different (i) R groups (the R group represents an aldehyde group in a glucose molecule or a ketone group in a fructose molecule); (ii) molecular weight carbohydrates; (iii) polarities, and (iv) acid-base amino acids to pork sausages. The effects of the molecular properties of carbohydrates and amino acids on the formation of PAHs in grilled pork sausages were investigated. (3) Results: The results showed that a grilled sausage with aldehyde-based d-glucose was capable of producing more PAHs than a sausage with keto-based d-fructose. A higher PAH content was determined in the grilled pork sausage when the smaller molecular weight, d-glucose, was added compared with the sausage where the larger molecular weight, 4-(α-d-glucosido)-d-glucose and cellulose were added. The addition of basic amino acids (l-lysine, l-arginine) was capable of producing more PAHs compared with the addition of acidic amino acids (l-glutamic acid, l-aspartate). When amino acid containing a benzene ring was added, a smaller volume of PAHs was produced compared with the addition of other amino acids. (4) Conclusions: Our study suggests that systematic consideration of molecule properties is necessary when using food additives (amino acids and carbohydrates) for food processing.
Effect of Effluent Recirculation on Biogas Production Using Two-Stage Anaerobic Digestion of Citrus Waste
Authors: Lukitawesa  , Wikandari Rachma , Millati Ria , Taherzadeh Mohammad J. , Niklasson Claes
Published: December 2018

Citrus waste is a promising potential feedstock for anaerobic digestion, yet the presence of inhibitors such as d-limonene is known to limit the process. Effluent recirculation has been proven to increase methane yield in a semi-continuous process for recalcitrant material, but it has never been applied to toxic materials. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of recirculation on biogas production from citrus waste as toxic feedstock in two-stage anaerobic digestion. The first digestion was carried out in a stirred tank reactor (STR). The effluent from the first-stage was filtered using a rotary drum filter to separate the solid and the liquid phase. The solid phase, rich in hydrophobic D-limonene, was discarded, and the liquid phase containing less D-limonene was fed into the second digester in an up-flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor. A high organic loading rate (OLR 5 g VS/(L·day)) of citrus waste was fed into the first-stage reactor every day. The effluent of the first-stage was then fed into the second-stage reactor. This experiment was run for 120 days. A reactor configuration without recirculation was used as control. The result shows that the reactor with effluent recirculation produced a higher methane yield (160–203 NmL/g·VS) compared to that without recirculation (66–113 NmL/g·VS). More stable performance was also observed in the reactor with recirculation as shown by the pH of 5–6, while without recirculation the pH dropped to the range of 3.7–4.7. The VS reduction for the reactor with recirculation was 33–35% higher than that of the control without recirculation. Recirculation might affect the hydrolysis-acidogenesis process by regulating pH in the first-stage and removing most of the D-limonene content from the substrate through filtration.
Theaflavins Improve Insulin Sensitivity through Regulating Mitochondrial Biosynthesis in Palmitic Acid-Induced HepG2 Cells
Authors: Tong Tuantuan , Ren Ning , Soomi Park , Wu Jiafan , Guo Na , Kang Hyunuk , Kim Eunhye , Wu Yuanyuan , He Puming , Tu Youying , Li Bo
Published: December 2018

Theaflavins, the characteristic and bioactive polyphenols in black tea, possess the potential improving effects on insulin resistance-associated metabolic abnormalities, including obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the related molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this research, we investigated the protective effects of theaflavins against insulin resistance in HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid. Theaflavins significantly increased glucose uptake of insulin-resistant cells at noncytotoxic doses. This activity was mediated by upregulating the total and membrane bound glucose transporter 4 protein expressions, increasing the phosphor-Akt (Ser473) level, and decreasing the phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser307. Moreover, theaflavins were found to enhance the mitochondrial DNA copy number, down-regulate the PGC-1β mRNA level and increase the PRC mRNA expression. Mdivi-1, a selective mitochondrial division inhibitor, could attenuate TFs-induced promotion of glucose uptake in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Taken together, these results suggested that theaflavins could improve hepatocellular insulin resistance induced by free fatty acids, at least partly through promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Theaflavins are promising functional food ingredients and medicines for improving insulin resistance-related disorders.
A Review of Lignan Metabolism, Milk Enterolactone Concentration, and Antioxidant Status of Dairy Cows Fed Flaxseed
Authors: Brito André F. , Zang Yu
Published: December 2018

Lignans are polyphenolic compounds with a wide spectrum of biological functions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities, therefore, there is an increasing interest in promoting the inclusion of lignan-rich foods in humans’ diets. Flaxseed is the richest source of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside—a compound found in the outer fibrous-containing layers of flax. The rumen appears to be the major site for the conversion of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside to the enterolignans enterodiol and enterolactone, but only enterolactone has been detected in milk of dairy cows fed flaxseed products (whole seeds, hulls, meal). However, there is limited information regarding the ruminal microbiota species involved in the metabolism of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside. Likewise, little is known about how dietary manipulation such as varying the nonstructural carbohydrate profile of rations affects milk enterolactone in dairy cows. Our review covers the gastrointestinal tract metabolism of lignans in humans and animals and presents an in-depth assessment of research that have investigated the impacts of flaxseed products on milk enterolactone concentration and animal health. It also addresses the pharmacokinetics of enterolactone consumed through milk, which may have implications to ruminants and humans’ health.
Phenanthroline-Derivative Functionalized Carbon Dots for Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Cu2+ and S2− and Imaging inside Live Cells
Authors: Zhang Lina , Wang Zhanwei , Zhang Jingbo , Jia Jianbo , Zhao Dan , Fan Yunchang
Published: December 2018

Developing effective methods for the instant detection of Cu2+ and S2− is highly desired in the biological and environmental fields. Herein, a novel fluorescent nanoprobe was elaborately designed and synthesized by grafting a phenanthroline derivative onto the surface of carbon dots (CDs). The obtained functionalized CDs (FCDs) exhibited blue fluorescence (FL) with excellent photostability and possessed a mean diameter around 4 nm. Cu2+ can be selectively captured by the phenanthroline group of FCDs to generate an absorptive complex in situ, leading to obvious quenching of the FCDs’ FL signal through an inner filter effect. Furthermore, the FL of the FCD–Cu2+ can be effectively recovered by S2− anions due to the release of FCDs from the FCD–Cu2+ complex owing to the formation of stable CuS (Ksp = 1.27 × 10−36) between S2− and Cu2+. The detection limits of the FCDs were determined to be 40.1 nM and 88.9 nM for Cu2+ and S2−, respectively. Moreover, this nanoprobe can also be used for the imaging of intracellular Cu2+ and S2−, which shows strong application prospects in the field of biology.
Sodium Content of Processed Foods Available in the Mexican Market
Authors: Nieto Claudia , Tolentino-Mayo Lizbeth , Medina Catalina , Monterrubio-Flores Eric , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Barquera Simón
Published: December 2018

Background: Sodium intake is related to several adverse health outcomes, such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Processed foods are major contributors to the population’s sodium intake. The aim of the present study was to determine sodium levels in Mexican packaged foods, as well as to evaluate the proportion of foods that comply with sodium benchmark targets set by the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (UK FSA) and those set by the Mexican Commission for the Protection of Health Risks (COFEPRIS). We also evaluated the proportion of foods that exceeded the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) targets. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that comprised data collected from the package of 2248 processed foods from selected supermarkets in Mexico. Results: Many processed food categories contained an excessive amount of sodium. Processed meats, ham, bacon and sausages, had the highest concentrations. The proportion of foods classified as compliant in our sample was lower for international targets (FSA UK and PAHO) compared to the Mexican COFEPRIS criteria. Conclusions: These data provided a critical baseline assessment for monitoring sodium levels in Mexican processed foods.
Erythrocyte n-6 Fatty Acids and Risk for Cardiovascular Outcomes and Total Mortality in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Harris William S. , Tintle Nathan L. , Ramachandran Vasan S.
Published: December 2018

Background: The prognostic value of erythrocyte levels of n-6 fatty acids (FAs) for total mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes remains an open question. Methods: We examined cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and death in 2500 individuals in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort without prevalent CVD (mean age 66 years, 57% women) as a function of baseline levels of different length n-6 FAs (18 carbon, 20 carbon, and 22 carbon) in the erythrocyte membranes. Clinical outcomes were monitored for up to 9.5 years (median follow up, 7.26 years). Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for a variety of demographic characteristics, clinical status, and red blood cell (RBC) n-6 and long chain n-3 FA content. Results: There were 245 CV events, 119 coronary heart disease (CHD) events, 105 ischemic strokes, 58 CVD deaths, and 350 deaths from all causes. Few associations between either mortality or CVD outcomes were observed for n-6 FAs, with those that were observed becoming non-significant after adjusting for n-3 FA levels. Conclusions: Higher circulating levels of marine n-3 FA levels are associated with reduced risk for incident CVD and ischemic stroke and for death from CHD and all-causes; however, in the same sample little evidence exists for association with n-6 FAs. Further work is needed to identify a full profile of FAs associated with cardiovascular risk and mortality.
Associations between Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010, Body Composition, Osteoarthritis Severity, and Interleukin-6 in Older Overweight and Obese African American Females with Self-Reported Osteoarthritis
Authors: Mears Macy , Tussing-Humphreys Lisa , Cerwinske Leah , Tangney Christy , Hughes Susan , Fitzgibbons Marian , Gomez-Perez Sandra
Published: December 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of immobility in the United States and is associated with older age, inflammation, and obesity. Prudent dietary patterns have been associated with disease prevention, yet little evidence exists describing diet quality (DQ) in older overweight or obese African American (AA) adults with OA and its relation to body composition. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a dataset containing alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), body composition, OA severity, and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) data from 126 AA females (aged 60–87 years) with OA to examine the relationships between these variables. Our sample had poor DQ and reported having higher OA severity as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Interleukin-6 was negatively correlated with AHEI-2010, and AHEI-2010 and the WOMAC physical function subcategory (WOMACpf) were significant predictors of IL-6 (odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92–0.99 and 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, respectively, p < 0.05) but not body composition. In conclusion, AHEI-2010 and WOMACpf were significant predictors of inflammation (IL-6) and AHEI-2010 accounted for ~16% of the variation of IL-6 (inflammation) in this sample.
Olive Oil Effects on Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Borzì Antonio Maria , Biondi Antonio , Basile Francesco , Luca Salvatore , Vicari Enzo Saretto Dante , Vacante Marco
Published: December 2018

Colorectal cancer is the fourth cause of cancer-related death worldwide. A Mediterranean diet showed protective action against colorectal cancer due to the intake of different substances. Olive oil is a fundamental component of the Mediterranean diet. Olive oil is rich in high-value health compounds (such as monounsaturated free fatty acids, squalene, phytosterols, and phenols). Phenolic compounds exert favourable effects on free radicals, inflammation, gut microbiota, and carcinogenesis. The interaction between gut microbiota and olive oil consumption could modulate colonic microbial composition or activity, with a possible role in cancer prevention. Gut microbiota is able to degrade some substances found in olive oil, producing active metabolites with chemopreventive action. Further clinical research is needed to clarify the beneficial effects of olive oil and its components. A better knowledge of the compounds found in olive oil could lead to the development of nutritional supplements or chemotherapeutic agents with a potential in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
Taste Perception and Caffeine Consumption: An fMRI Study
Authors: Gramling Laura , Kapoulea Eleni , Murphy Claire
Published: December 2018

Caffeine is ubiquitous, yet its impact on central taste processing is not well understood. Although there has been considerable research on caffeine’s physiological and cognitive effects, there is a paucity of research investigating the effects of caffeine on taste. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate group differences between caffeine consumers and non-consumers in blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) activation during hedonic evaluation of taste. We scanned 14 caffeine consumers and 14 caffeine non-consumers at 3 Tesla, while they rated three tastes: caffeine (bitter), sucrose (sweet), and saccharin (sweet with bitter after taste), in aqueous solutions. Differences in BOLD activation were analyzed using voxel wise independent samples t-tests within Analysis of Functional Neuroimage (AFNI). Results indicated that during the hedonic evaluation of caffeine or sucrose, caffeine non-consumers had significantly greater activation in neuronal areas associated with memory and reward. During the hedonic evaluation of saccharin, caffeine consumers had significantly greater activation in areas associated with memory and information processing. The findings suggest caffeine consumption is associated with differential activation in neuronal areas involved in reward, memory, and information processing. Further research on intensity and hedonics of bitter and sweet stimuli in caffeine consumers and non-consumers will be of great interest to better understand the nature of differences in taste perception between caffeine consumers and non-consumers.
Two Thousand Years of Land-Use and Vegetation Evolution in the Andean Highlands of Northern Chile Inferred from Pollen and Charcoal Analyses
Authors: Domic Alejandra I. , Capriles José M. , Escobar-Torrez Katerine , Santoro Calogero M. , Maldonado Antonio
Published: December 2018

The European conquest of the New World produced major socio-environmental reorganization in the Americas, but for many specific regions and ecosystems, we still do not understand how these changes occurred within a broader temporal framework. In this paper, we reconstruct the long-term environmental and vegetation changes experienced by high-altitude wetlands of the southcentral Andes over the last two millennia. Pollen and charcoal analyses of a 5.5-m-long core recovered from the semi-arid puna of northern Chile indicate that while climatic drivers influenced vegetation turnaround, human land use and management strategies significantly affected long-term changes. Our results indicate that the puna vegetation mostly dominated by grasslands and some peatland taxa stabilized during the late Holocene, xerophytic shrubs expanded during extremely dry events, and peatland vegetation persisted in relation to landscape-scale management strategies by Andean pastoralist societies. Environmental changes produced during the post-conquest period included the introduction of exotic taxa, such as clovers, associated with the translocation of exotic herding animals (sheep, cattle, and donkeys) and a deterioration in the management of highland wetlands.
Responses of Korean Buddhism to the Ethos of Contemporary Korea: Three Discourses in the Wake of Modernization
Authors: Yun Woncheol , Park Beom Seok
Published: December 2018

The revival of Buddhism in Korea began in the 20th century as the nation suffered a downfall from the colonization of the Japanese Imperialists. In this chaotic time of social turmoil, transformation into a modern nation resulted not from a natural flow of events but rather from an articulation through a series of discourses on Korean identity. The modernization process in Korea was precipitated by the Japanese colonialism, thereby adding to the complexity during the time of social transformation. In this paper, we have reviewed the three major discourses of Korean Buddhism in the wake of modernization. The following discourses were attempts to deal with the problems faced by the Buddhist community during modernization: the discourse on secularity and social participation, the discourse on modernity centering on the issue of modifying precepts, and the discourse on identity contemplating the originality of Korean Buddhism. The fact that the old controversies concerning precepts continue even to this day in Korea might be regarded as a proof of the vibrant dynamics of contemporary Korean Buddhism. Accordingly, the next unavoidable discourse regarding Korean Buddhism would be on whether and how it can adapt itself to contemporary society, along with what part it will play in the forthcoming society.
Automatic Mapping of Thermokarst Landforms from Remote Sensing Images Using Deep Learning: A Case Study in the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Huang Lingcao , Liu Lin , Jiang Liming , Zhang Tingjun
Published: December 2018

Thawing of ice-rich permafrost causes thermokarst landforms on the ground surface. Obtaining the distribution of thermokarst landforms is a prerequisite for understanding permafrost degradation and carbon exchange at local and regional scales. However, because of their diverse types and characteristics, it is challenging to map thermokarst landforms from remote sensing images. We conducted a case study towards automatically mapping a type of thermokarst landforms (i.e., thermo-erosion gullies) in a local area in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau from high-resolution images by the use of deep learning. In particular, we applied the DeepLab algorithm (based on Convolutional Neural Networks) to a 0.15-m-resolution Digital Orthophoto Map (created using aerial photographs taken by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). Here, we document the detailed processing flow with key steps including preparing training data, fine-tuning, inference, and post-processing. Validating against the field measurements and manual digitizing results, we obtained an F1 score of 0.74 (precision is 0.59 and recall is 1.0), showing that the proposed method can effectively map small and irregular thermokarst landforms. It is potentially viable to apply the designed method to mapping diverse thermokarst landforms in a larger area where high-resolution images and training data are available.
A Novel Tilt Correction Technique for Irradiance Sensors and Spectrometers On-Board Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Suomalainen Juha , Hakala Teemu , Alves de Oliveira Raquel , Markelin Lauri , Viljanen Niko , Näsi Roope , Honkavaara Eija
Published: December 2018

In unstable atmospheric conditions, using on-board irradiance sensors is one of the only robust methods to convert unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based optical remote sensing data to reflectance factors. Normally, such sensors experience significant errors due to tilting of the UAV, if not installed on a stabilizing gimbal. Unfortunately, such gimbals of sufficient accuracy are heavy, cumbersome, and cannot be installed on all UAV platforms. In this paper, we present the FGI Aerial Image Reference System (FGI AIRS) developed at the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI) and a novel method for optical and mathematical tilt correction of the irradiance measurements. The FGI AIRS is a sensor unit for UAVs that provides the irradiance spectrum, Real Time Kinematic (RTK)/Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) GNSS position, and orientation for the attached cameras. The FGI AIRS processes the reference data in real time for each acquired image and can send it to an on-board or on-cloud processing unit. The novel correction method is based on three RGB photodiodes that are tilted 10° in opposite directions. These photodiodes sample the irradiance readings at different sensor tilts, from which reading of a virtual horizontal irradiance sensor is calculated. The FGI AIRS was tested, and the method was shown to allow on-board measurement of irradiance at an accuracy better than ±0.8% at UAV tilts up to 10° and ±1.2% at tilts up to 15°. In addition, the accuracy of FGI AIRS to produce reflectance-factor-calibrated aerial images was compared against the traditional methods. In the unstable weather conditions of the experiment, both the FGI AIRS and the on-ground spectrometer were able to produce radiometrically accurate and visually pleasing orthomosaics, while the reflectance reference panels and the on-board irradiance sensor without stabilization or tilt correction both failed to do so. The authors recommend the implementation of the proposed tilt correction method in all future UAV irradiance sensors if they are not to be installed on a gimbal.
Geometric, Environmental and Hardware Error Sources of a Ground-Based Interferometric Real-Aperture FMCW Radar System
Authors: Gundersen Rune , Norland Richard , Rolstad Denby Cecilie
Published: December 2018

Ground-based interferometric radar systems have numerous environmental monitoring applications in geoscience. Development of a relatively simple ground-based interferometric real-aperture FMCW radar (GB-InRAR) system that can be readily deployed in field without an established set of corner reflectors will meet the present and future need for real-time monitoring of the expected increased number of geohazard events due to climate changes. Several effects affect electromagnetic waves and limit the measurement accuracy, and a careful analysis of the setup of the deployed radar system in field is essential to achieve adequate results. In this paper, we present radar measurement of a moving square trihedral corner reflector from experiments conducted in both the field and laboratory, and assess the error sources with focus on the geometry, hardware and environmental effects on interferometric and differential interferometric measurements. A theoretical model is implemented to assess deviations between theory and measurements. The main observed effects are variations in radio refractivity, multipath interference and inter-reflector interference. Measurement error due to radar hardware and the environment are analyzed, as well as how the geometry of the measurement setup affects the nominal range-cell extent. It is found that for this experiment the deviation between interferometry and differential interferometry is mainly due to variations in the radio refractivity, and temperature-induced changes in the electrical length of the microwave cables. The results show that with careful design and analysis of radar parameters and radar system geometry the measurement accuracy of a GB-InRAR system without the use of deployed corner reflectors is comparable to the accuracy of differential interferometric measurements. A GB-InRAR system can therefore be used during sudden geo-hazard events without established corner reflector infrastructure, and the results are also valid for other high-precision interferometric radar systems.
A Wind Estimation Method with an Unmanned Rotorcraft for Environmental Monitoring Tasks
Authors: Wang Jia-Ying , Luo Bing , Zeng Ming , Meng Qing-Hao
Published: December 2018

Wind velocity (strength and direction) is an important parameter for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based environmental monitoring tasks. A novel wind velocity estimation method is proposed for rotorcrafts. Based on an extended state observer, this method derives the wind disturbance from rotors’ speeds and rotorcraft’s acceleration and position. Then the wind disturbance is scaled to calculate the airspeed vector, which is substituted into a wind triangle to obtain the wind velocity. Easy-to-implement methods for calculating the rotorcraft’s thrust and drag coefficient are also proposed, which are important parameters to obtain the wind drag and the airspeed, respectively. Simulations and experiments using a quadrotor in both hovering and flight conditions have validated the proposed method.
Spoofing Detection and Mitigation in a Multi-correlator GPS Receiver Based on the Maximum Likelihood Principle
Authors: Guo Yanbing , Miao Lingjuan , Zhang Xi
Published: December 2018

As a structural interference, spoofing is difficult to detect by the target receiver while the advent of a repeater makes the implementation of spoofing much easier. Most existing anti-spoofing methods are merely capable of detecting the spoofing, i.e., they cannot effectively remove counterfeit signals. Therefore, based on the similarities between multipath and spoofing, the feasibility of applying multipath mitigation methods to anti-spoofing is first analyzed in this paper. We then propose a novel algorithm based on maximum likelihood (ML) estimation to resolve this problem. The tracking channels with multi-correlators are constructed and a set of corresponding steps of detecting and removing the counterfeit signals is designed to ensure that the receiver locks the authentic signals in the presence of spoofing. Finally, the spoofing is successfully executed with a software receiver and the saved intermediate frequency (IF) signals, on this basis, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by experiments.
Highly Stretchable Capacitive Sensor with Printed Carbon Black Electrodes on Barium Titanate Elastomer Composite
Authors: Cholleti Eshwar Reddy , Stringer Jonathan , Assadian Mahtab , Battmann Virginie , Bowen Chris , Aw Kean
Published: December 2018

Wearable electronics and soft robotics are emerging fields utilizing soft and stretchable sensors for a variety of wearable applications. In this paper, the fabrication of a highly stretchable capacitive sensor with a printed carbon black/Ecoflex interdigital capacitor is presented. The highly stretchable capacitive sensor was fabricated on a substrate made from barium titanate–EcoflexTM 00-30 composite, and could withstand stretching up to 100%. The designed highly stretchable capacitive sensor was robust, and showed good repeatability and consistency when stretched and relaxed for over 1000 cycles.