Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polymer brush-coatings to prevent biomaterials associated infection: initial bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation

Biomateriaal geassocieerde infecties vormen een van de belangrijkste oorzaken voor het falen van implantaten, en dat in een tijdperk waarin het aantal patienten dat een biomateriaal implantaat nodig heeft sterk toeneemt. De behandeling van een biomateriaal infectie bestaat meestal uit langdurig gebruik van antibiotica, echter vaak zonder succes, zodat uiteindelijk het implantaat weer verwijderd moet worden. Implantaten die geimplanteerd zijn bij een hersteloperatie hebben een nog groter risico van contaminatie, vanwege de reeds aanwezige bacterien in het aangrenzende weefsel nabij het implantaat. Biomateriaal geassocieerde infecties beginnen met het hechten van bacterien aan het implantaat oppervlak, die daarna groeien en een biofilm vormen. Bacteriele hechting aan oppervlakken wordt beinvloed door de fysisch-chemische eigenschappen van het oppervlak en er zijn langs diverse wegen pogingen gedaan om een niet-adhesieve coating te ontwikkelingen, zoals polymere borstel-coatings, om te voorkomen dat bacterien zich kunnen hechten en dus een infectie veroorzaken. Borstel-coatings zijn momenteel de meest veelbelovende niet-adhesieve coatings. In veel gevallen verminderen ze de aanhechting van bacterien met meer dan 90% en de hechtings sterkte is veel zwakker waardoor ze veel gemakkelijker te verwijderen zijn van het oppervlak. De weinige bacterien die hechten op de polymere borstels kunnen uitgroeien tot een biofilm, maar ook deze is weer gemakkelijk te verwijderen door de zwakke hechting. Verder blijkt dat antibiotica de biofilm op een polymere borstel kan afdoden in tegenstelling tot een biofilm op een biomateriaal wat niet gecoat is met een polymere borstel. Concluderend, een biomateriaal gecoat met een polymere borstel zou wel eens de oplossing kunnen zijn om biomateriaal geassocieerde infecties te voorkomen.
A comparison of water solubility enhancements of organic solutes by aquatic humic materials and commercial humic acids

Water solubility enhancements of 1,1-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), 2,4,5,2',5'-pentachlorobiphenyl (2,4,5,2',5'-PCB), and 2,4,4'-trichlorobiphenyl (2,4,4'-PCB) by dissolved organic matter have been studied with the following samples: (1) acidic water samples from the Suwannee River, Georgia, and the Sopchoppy River, Florida; (2) a humic extract of a nearly neutral pH water from the Calcasieu River, Louisiana; (3) commercial humic acids from the Aldrich Chemical Co. and Fluka-Tridom Chemical Corp. The calculated partition coefficients on a dissolved organic carbon basis (K/sub doc/) for organic solutes with water samples and aquatic humic extracts from this and earlier studies indicate that the enhancement effect varies with the molecular composition of the aquatic humic materials, The K/sub doc/ values with water and aquatic humic samples are, however, far less than the observed K/sub doc/ values obtained with the two commercial samples, by factors of about 4-20. In view of this finding, one should be cautious in interpreting the effects of the dissolved organic matter on solubility enhancement of organic solutes on the basis of the use of commercial humic acids. 14 references, 3 figures, 2 tables.
Phosphorus (P) Uptake Mechanisms of Crops Grown in Soils with Low P Status : II. Significance of Organic Acids in Root Exudates of Pigeonpea

Abstract In our previous studies, pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and rice (Oryza sativa L.) were found to have a higher ability to take up Fe- or Al-bound phosphorus (P) than soybean (Glycine max L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). Phosphorus absorption characteristics like I max, K m, C min, and FeIII reduction activity of roots, and root exudates in various crops were examined with a view to analyzing the mechanisms of P uptake. Phosphorus uptake ability was largely unrelated to variations in I max, K m, C min, and FeIII reduction activity of roots. Phosphorus-solubilizing activity in anionic fractions of root exudates was detected in pigeonpea but not in rice or groundnut. Malonic acid was the major component followed by oxalic and piscidic acid. These organic acids were able to release P from FePO4 and A1PO4. The higher P uptake ability of pigeonpea in soils with low P fertility presumably depends on the secretion of such organic acids from roots.
Wave-driven rotation and mass separation in rotating magnetic mirrors

Axisymmetric mirrors are attractive for fusion because of their simplicity, high plasma pressure at a given magnetic pressure, and steady state operation. Their subclass, rotating mirrors, are particularly interesting because they have increased parallel confinement, magnetohydrodynamic stability, and a natural heating mechanism. This thesis finds and explores an unusual effect in supersonically rotating plasmas: particles are diffused by waves in both potential energy and kinetic energy. Extending the alpha channeling concept to rotating plasmas, the alpha particles may be removed at low energy through the loss cone, and the energy lost may be transferred to the radial electric field. This eliminates the need for electrodes in the mirror throat, which have presented serious technical issues in past rotating plasma devices. A high azimuthal mode number perturbation on the magnetic field is a particularly simple way to achieve the latter effect. In the rotating frame, this perturbation is seen as a wave near the alpha particle cyclotron harmonic, and can break the azimuthal symmetry and magnetic moment conservation without changing the particles total energy. The particle may exit if it reduces its kinetic energy and becomes more trapped if it gains kinetic energy, leading to a steady state current that maintains the field. Simulations of single particles in rotating mirrors show that a stationary wave can extract enough energy from alpha particles for a reactor to be self-sustaining. In the same way, rotation can be produced in non-fusion plasmas. Waves are identified to produce rotation in plasma centrifuges, which separate isotopes based on their mass difference. Finally, a new high throughput mass filter which is well suited to separating nuclear waste is presented. The new filter, the magnetic centrifugal mass filter (MCMF), has well confined output streams and less potential for nuclear proliferation than competing technologies. To assess the usefulness of the MCMF, a metric for comparing mass filters is developed. With this metric, the MCMF is compared with other mass filters such as the Ohkawa filter and the conventional plasma centrifuge.
PI3Kδ Forms Distinct Multiprotein Complexes at the TCR Signalosome in Naïve and Differentiated CD4+ T Cells

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) play a central role in adaptive immunity by transducing signals from the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) via production of PIP3. PI3Kδ is a heterodimer composed of a p110δ catalytic subunit associated with a p85α or p85β regulatory subunit and is preferentially engaged by the TCR upon T cell activation. The molecular mechanisms leading to PI3Kδ recruitment and activation at the TCR signalosome remain unclear. In this study, we have used quantitative mass spectrometry, biochemical approaches and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to uncover the p110δ interactome in primary CD4+ T cells. Moreover, we have determined how the PI3Kδ interactome changes upon the differentiation of small naïve T cells into T cell blasts expanded in the presence of IL-2. Our interactomic analyses identified multiple constitutive and inducible PI3Kδ-interacting proteins, some of which were common to naïve and previously-activated T cells. Our data reveals that PI3Kδ rapidly interacts with as many as seven adaptor proteins upon TCR engagement, including the Gab-family proteins, GAB2 and GAB3, a CD5-CBL signalosome and the transmembrane proteins ICOS and TRIM. Our results also suggest that PI3Kδ pre-forms complexes with the adaptors SH3KBP1 and CRKL in resting cells that could facilitate the localization and activation of p110δ at the plasma membrane by forming ternary complexes during early TCR signalling. Furthermore, we identify interactions that were not previously known to occur in CD4+ T cells, involving BCAP, GAB3, IQGAP3 and JAML. We used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockout in primary T cells to confirm that BCAP is a positive regulator of PI3K-AKT signalling in CD4+ T cell blasts. Overall, our results provide evidence for a large protein network that regulates the recruitment and activation of PI3Kδ in T cells. Finally, this work shows how the PI3Kδ interactome is remodeled as CD4+ T cells differentiate from naïve T cells to activated T cell blasts. These activated T cells upregulate additional PI3Kδ adaptor proteins, including BCAP, GAB2, IQGAP3 and ICOS. This rewiring of TCR-PI3K signalling that occurs upon T cell differentiation may serve to reduce the threshold of activation and diversify the inputs for the PI3K pathway in effector T cells.
Thermal Properties of Organic-Inorganic Materials Superstructured at the Nanoscale

iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . vii LIST OF TABLES . xii LIST OF FIGURES . xiii NOMENCLATURE . xix CHAPTER 1 . 1 Superatom-Assembled Materials . 1 1.
Mitochondrial Behavior in Axon Degeneration and Regeneration

Mitochondria are organelles responsible for bioenergetic metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and signal transmission essential for neurons due to their high energy consumption. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondria play a key role in axon degeneration and regeneration under physiological and pathological conditions. Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs at an early stage of axon degeneration and involves oxidative stress, energy deficiency, imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, defects in mitochondrial transport, and mitophagy dysregulation. The restoration of these defective mitochondria by enhancing mitochondrial transport, clearance of reactive oxidative species (ROS), and improving bioenergetic can greatly contribute to axon regeneration. In this paper, we focus on the biological behavior of axonal mitochondria in aging, injury (e.g., traumatic brain and spinal cord injury), and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, AD; Parkinson's disease, PD; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS) and consider the role of mitochondria in axon regeneration. We also compare the behavior of mitochondria in different diseases and outline novel therapeutic strategies for addressing abnormal mitochondrial biological behavior to promote axonal regeneration in neurological diseases and injuries.
Differential Signals From TNFα-Treated and Untreated Embryos in Uterine Tissues and Splenic CD4+ T Lymphocytes During Preimplantation Pregnancy in Mice

The main aim of this study was to examine if a female mouse body in preimplantation pregnancy can distinguish between embryos of normal and impaired biological quality in the local and peripheral compartments. Normal (control group) and TNFα (tumor necrosis factor-α)-treated embryos (experimental group) at the morula stage were non-surgically transferred into the uteri of CD-1 strain [Crl:CD1(Icr)] female murine recipients. Twenty-four hours after the embryo transfer, females were euthanised, and uteri and spleens were dissected. In uterine tissues (local compartment), we assessed the expression of 84 genes comprising nine signal transduction pathways, using a modified RT2 Profiler PCR Array. In the spleen (peripheral compartment), we determined the proteome of splenic CD4+ lymphocytes using 2D protein electrophoresis with subsequent protein identification by mass spectrometry. Sample clustering and differential gene expression analyses within individual signal transduction pathways revealed differential expression of genes in the uteri of females after transplantation of normal vs. TNFα-treated embryos. The most affected signal transduction cascade was the NFKB (Nuclear factor NF-kappa-B) pathway, where 87.5% of the examined genes were significantly differentially expressed. Proteomic analysis of splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes revealed significant differential expression of 8 out of 132 protein spots. Identified proteins were classified as proteins influenced by cell stress, proteins engaged in the regulation of cytoskeleton stabilization and cell motility, and proteins having immunomodulatory function. These results support the hypothesis that even before embryo implantation, the body of pregnant female mice can sense the biological quality of an embryo both at the local and peripheral level.
The Emerging Role of Neuropeptides in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disease, results from the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. This disease is characterized by cardinal non-motor and motor symptoms. Several studies have demonstrated that neuropeptides, such as ghrelin, neuropeptide Y, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, substance P, and neurotensin, are related to the onset of PD. This review mainly describes the changes in these neuropeptides and their receptors in the substantia nigra-striatum system as well as the other PD-related brain regions. Based on several in vitro and in vivo studies, most neuropeptides play a significant neuroprotective role in PD by preventing caspase-3 activation, decreasing mitochondrial-related oxidative stress, increasing mitochondrial biogenesis, inhibiting microglial activation, and anti-autophagic activity. Thus, neuropeptides may provide a new strategy for PD therapy.
Synthesis of Controlled‐Pore Silica Glass Functionalized with Quercetin and Its Application for the Separation and Preconcentration of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II)

Abstract Quercetin was anchored to controlled‐pore silica glass (CPSG). The chemical bonding of quercetin based on CPSG (QCPSG) was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared reflectance analysis, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and solid state 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), in comparison with the monomer phase prepared from quercetin and aminopropyltrihydroxysilane. Controlled‐pore silica glass, used as support for quercetin or aminopropyl moiety, showed obvious stability against Si dissolution at pH 8 in comparison with silica gel. Also, the involvement of the amine group in the bonding to quercetin was observed to relieve its local basisity, enabling low capacity fading (10%) after 40 loading/elution cycles. The QCPSG also was used for the separation and preconcentration of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) prior to their determination by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). The optimum pH range for the separation of these metal ions is 7.5–8.5 at 30 min stirring time, giving an efficiency of 98.1%, 94.4%, 95.9%, 90.7%, and 87.9%, respectively, in the presence of sodium acetate. The sorption capacity of QCPSG for these metal ions is in the range of 0.24–0.46 mmol g−1 indicating a 1:2 quercetin/metal chelation for all metal ions except for Mn(II), as a 1:1 ratio is suggested. The QCPSG was used for the separation and preconcentration of the investigated metal ions in some water samples, using ICP‐MS for determination (relative standard deviation, RSD 1.74–6.10%). The method also was applied for the determination of these metal ions in granite ores and certified samples, and the results are in good agreement with the reported values, which indicates that the method is accurate.
Bacterial cellulose-collagen nanocomposite for bone tissue engineering

A nanocomposite based on bacterial cellulose (BC) and type I collagen (COL) was evaluated for in vitro bone regeneration. BC membranes were modified by glycine esterification followed by cross-linking of type I collagen employing 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide. Collagen incorporation was studied by spectroscopy analysis. X-Ray diffraction showed changes in the BC crystallinity after collagen incorporation. The elastic modulus and tensile strength for BC-COL decreased, while the strain at failure showed a slight increase, even after sterilization, as compared to pristine BC. Swelling tests and contact angle measurements were also performed. Cell culture experiments performed with osteogenic cells were obtained by enzymatic digestion of newborn rat calvarium revealed similar features of cell morphology for cultures grown on both membranes. Cell viability/proliferation was not different between BC and BC-COL membranes at day 10 and 14. The high total protein content and ALP activity at day 17 in cells cultured on BC-COL indicate that this composite allowed the development of the osteoblastic phenotype in vitro. Thus, BC-COL should be considered as alternative biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.
Nitric oxide and soot emissions determined from a multi-zone thermodynamic direct-injection diesel engine combustion model

A three-step phenomenological soot model and a nitric oxide emission model have been developed by applying the current understanding of conceptual models for direct-injection diesel engine combustion processes. The three-step soot model incorporates the physical processes of fuel pyrolysis, soot inception and soot oxidation. The nitric oxide model is governed by the Zeldovich (thermal) mechanism and N2O intermediate mechanism. With the local information provided by the previously developed multi-zone thermodynamic diesel engine combustion model, the emission models can be successfully applied via specific detection concerning where and when each of these reactions mainly occur within the diesel fuel jet evolution process. The simulation was completed for a 4.5-L, inline four-cylinder diesel engine. The results demonstrated that this method, which incorporates emission models into the developed multi-zone diesel engine combustion model, has the potential to qualitatively predict the effects of various engine parameters on the engine-out soot and nitric oxide emissions. The results showed that advanced injection timing and higher injection pressure lead to the increase of nitric oxide concentration because of not only the increased residence time but also the higher entrainment rate of fresh gas into combustion products. Soot formed in-cylinder decreases with increasing injection pressure and advanced start of injection timing mainly due to the extension of the lift-off length and lower local equivalence ratio. In spite of decreased ambient oxygen concentration, the extended lift-off length and the reduced combustion temperature contribute to the reduction of soot formation under heavy exhaust gas recirculation levels.
Low temperature oxidation mechanisms of nanocrystalline magnetite thin film

A detailed investigation of the mechanisms related to the low temperature oxidation of nanocrystalline magnetite thin films into maghemite is presented. Despite strong differences in the functional properties of these two phases, structural similarities make it difficult to distinguish between them, and to quantify the oxidation process, particularly in the case of nanostructured polycrystalline layers. Contrary to the case of bulk materials or monocrystalline films and particles, the oxidation processes in nanocrystalline thin film have only scarcely been studied. In this work, structural and optical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), EXAFS/X-ray absorption near edge structure, FTIR, and Raman scattering, have been used to estimate the oxidation rate of magnetite. The overall oxidation reaction rates are discussed in the framework of two limiting cases corresponding to intra grain diffusion and to grain boundary diffusion. SIMS profiling and electrical measurements were also carried out to better assess the oxidation quantification in order to conclude on the predominant oxidation mechanisms in this heterogeneous material. We propose a qualitative model for the structure, in terms of insulating zone distribution, for partially oxidized films.
SPONTANEOUS SODIUM CHLORIDE APPETITE OF GOITROGEN- TREATED RATS: EFFECT OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY AND ADRENALECTOMY1

Administration of the anti-thyroid drugs, propylthiouracil, thiouracil and methimazole, is accompanied by an increase in the spontaneous NaCl intake of male and female rats offered choice between water and . 15 M NaCl solution to drink. The increase in NaCl intake occurs within one week after treatment begins and is independent of either pituitary or adrenal glands.
Characterization of Anthocyanins from Fruits of Two Mexican Chili Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

Chili pepper fruits of the Arbol and Uvilla types ( Capsicum annuum L. ) were analyzed to characterize the anthocyanins that are synthesized and accumulated in the pericarp tissues. The aglycon delphinidin was identified as the only anthocyanidin in both chili peppers. Anthocyanins were separated and identified using HPLC-MS, and delphinidin-3- cis -coumaroylrutinoside-5-glucoside and delphinidin-3- trans -coumaroylrutinoside-5-glucoside were the most abundant components.
Determination of Nicarbazin in Animal Feed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Interlaboratory Evaluation

A liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of nicarbazin in feed. The samples were extracted with 90 percent acetonitrile, purified on alumina, and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The developed method was validated in-house and further verified by interlaboratory studies. The limits of detection and quantification of the method were 0.05 and 0.10 milligram per kilogram, respectively. The recoveries of nicarbazin in feed ranged between 98.3 and 111 percent, with acceptable intralaboratory reproducibility. In the interlaboratory comparison, one contaminated and three uncontaminated poultry feed samples were analyzed by thirteen laboratories using the method developed in this study. Statistical analysis confirmed the accuracy and precision of the method with verification in the interlaboratory comparison.
Solubility of methane in octane + ethanol at temperatures from 303.15 K to 333.15 K and pressures up to 12.01 MPa

Solubility of methane in octane + ethanol was measured at temperatures ranging from 303.15 K to 333.15 K and pressures ranging from 2.60 MPa to 12.01 MPa. Experimental data were analyzed using the Soave-Redlich-Kwong equation of state with three types of mixing rules, and the estimated average deviation from the experimental solubility data was less than 3.5 %.
Simulation Study for Determining Optimal Operation Window of Iodine Excess for SI Thermochemical Cycle for Hydrogen Production

-Energy sustainability issue has driven technology for selecting hydrogen as viable future energy source. The SI(Sulfur iodide) cycle was found to be one of the best cycle for large scale hydrogen production. The Bunsen reaction and phase separation forms important parts of SI thermochemical cycle and were considered for study in the paper. HI/H2SO4/I2/H2O of 2/1/n/12 was used in accordance with recent literature data. Effect of iodine on reduction of components in HIx phase was studied. The optimal operating range was obtained from the study. Iodine excess of 4-6 was obtained as optimal range for operation whereas water excess was fixed at 12. The optimal range found was 305-320 K.
NATURAL CONVECTION THROUGH RECTANGULAR OPENINGS IN PARTITIONS. PART I. VERTICAL PARTITIONS. PART II. HORIZONTAL PARTITIONS.

Abstract : The basic theory of natural convection across openings in vertical partitions has been generalized to include both heat and mass transfer. Experiments were carried out in a large heat-flow apparatus with openings from 3 to 12 in. high and with air as the convecting fluid. Natural convection through square openings in a horizontal partition for the case of heavier fluid above the partition is investigated using air as the fluid medium. The test results relating the Nusselt number to the Grashof number and to the ratio of opening thickness to opening width are found to agree generally with the requirements of theory. (Author)