bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Morphology of the SDS Film on the Surface of Borosilicate Glass
Authors: Shen Zih-Yao , Lee Maw-Tien
Published: May 2017

Surfactant films on solid surfaces have attracted much attention because of their scientific interest and applications, such as surface treatment agent, or for micro- or nano-scale templates for microfluidic devices. In this study, anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions with various charged inorganic salts was spread on a glass substrate and dried to form an SDS thin film. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to observe the micro-structure of the SDS thin film. The effects of inorganic salts on the morphology of the SDS film were observed and discussed. The results of experiments demonstrated that pure SDS film formed patterns of long, parallel, highly-ordered stripes. The existence of the inorganic salt disturbed the structure of the SDS film due to the interaction between the cationic ion and the anionic head groups of SDS. The divalent ion has greater electrostatic interaction with anionic head groups than that of the monovalent ion, and causes a gross change in the morphology of the SDS film. The height of the SDS bilayer measured was consistent with the theoretical value, and the addition of the large-sized monovalent ion would lead to lowering the height of the adsorbed structures.
Hardening Effect Analysis by Modular Upper Bound and Finite Element Methods in Indentation of Aluminum, Steel, Titanium and Superalloys
Authors: Bermudo Carolina , Sevilla Lorenzo , Martín Francisco , Trujillo Francisco
Published: May 2017

The application of incremental processes in the manufacturing industry is having a great development in recent years. The first stage of an Incremental Forming Process can be defined as an indentation. Because of this, the indentation process is starting to be widely studied, not only as a hardening test but also as a forming process. Thus, in this work, an analysis of the indentation process under the new Modular Upper Bound perspective has been performed. The modular implementation has several advantages, including the possibility of the introduction of different parameters to extend the study, such as the friction effect, the temperature or the hardening effect studied in this paper. The main objective of the present work is to analyze the three hardening models developed depending on the material characteristics. In order to support the validation of the hardening models, finite element analyses of diverse materials under an indentation are carried out. Results obtained from the Modular Upper Bound are in concordance with the results obtained from the numerical analyses. In addition, the numerical and analytical methods are in concordance with the results previously obtained in the experimental indentation of annealed aluminum A92030. Due to the introduction of the hardening factor, the new modular distribution is a suitable option for the analysis of indentation process.
Effects of CuZnAl Particles on Properties and Microstructure of Sn-58Bi Solder
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhang Liang , Liu Zhi-quan , Zhong Su , Ma Jia , Bao Li
Published: May 2017

With the purpose of improving the properties of the Sn-58Bi lead-free solder, micro-CuZnAl particles ranging from 0 to 0.4 wt % were added into the low temperature eutectic Sn-58Bi lead-free solder. After the experimental testing of micro-CuZnAl particles on the properties and microstructure of the Sn-58Bi solders, it was found that the wettability of the Sn-58Bi solders was obviously improved with addition of CuZnAl particles. When the addition of CuZnAl particles was 0.2 wt %, the wettability of the Sn-58Bi solder performed best. At the same time, excessive addition of CuZnAl particles led to poor wettability. However, the results showed that CuZnAl particles changed the melting point of the Sn-58Bi solder slightly. The microstructure of the Sn-58Bi solder was refined by adding CuZnAl particles. When the content of CuZnAl addition was between 0.1 and 0.2 wt %, the refinement was great. In addition, the interfacial IMC layer between new composite solder and Cu substrate was thinner than that between the Sn-58Bi solder and Cu substrate.
Influence of Low-Frequency Vibration and Modification on Solidification and Mechanical Properties of Al-Si Casting Alloy
Authors: Selivorstov Vadim , Dotsenko Yuri , Borodianskiy Konstantin
Published: May 2017

One of the major aims of the modern materials foundry industry is the achievement of advanced mechanical properties of metals, especially of light non-ferrous alloys such as aluminum. Usually an alloying process is applied to obtain the required properties of aluminum alloys. However, the presented work describes an alternative approach through the application of vibration treatment, modification by ultrafine powder and a combination of these two methods. Microstructural studies followed by image analysis revealed the refinement of α-Al grains with an increase in the Si network area around them. As evidence, the improvement of the mechanical properties of Al casting alloy was detected. It was found that the alloys subjected to the vibration treatment displayed an increase in tensile and yield strengths by 20% and 10%, respectively.
Correction: A Novel Silicon Allotrope in the Monoclinic Phase. Materials 2017, 10, 441
Authors: Bai Chaogang , Chai Changchun , Fan Qingyang , Liu Yuqian , Yang Yintang
Published: May 2017

The authors would like to make the following correction to their paper[1]. In this paper,we wrongly listed the coordinates of the new silicon allotrope [...]
Effect of Hydrogen Exposure on Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of CrxN Coatings Deposited at Different Pressures on IN718
Authors: Obrosov Aleksei , Sutygina Alina , Volinsky Alex , Manakhov Anton , Weiß Sabine , Kashkarov Egor
Published: May 2017

In the current study, the properties of the CrxN coatings deposited on the Inconel 718 superalloy using direct current reactive magnetron sputtering are investigated. The influence of working pressure on the microstructure, mechanical, and tribological properties of the CrxN coatings before and after high-temperature hydrogen exposure is studied. The cross-sectional scanning electron micrographs indicate the columnar structure of the coatings, which changes from dense and compact columns to large columns with increasing working pressure. The Cr/N ratio increases from 1.4 to 1.9 with increasing working pressure from 300 to 900 mPa, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals a change from mixed hcp-Cr2N and fcc-CrN structure to approximately stoichiometric Cr2N phase. After gas-phase hydrogenation, the coating deposited at 300 mPa exhibits the lowest hydrogen absorption at 600 °C of all investigated coatings. The results indicate that the dense mixed cubic and hexagonal structure is preferential for hydrogen permeation resistance due to the presence of cubic phase with higher packing density in comparison to the hexagonal structure. After hydrogenation, no changes in phase composition were observed; however, a small amount of hydrogen is accumulated in the coatings. An increase of coating hardness and elastic modulus was observed after hydrogen exposure. Tribological tests reveal that hydrogenation leads to a decrease of the friction coefficient up to 20%–30%. The best value of 0.25 was reached for hydrogen exposed CrxN coating deposited at 300 mPa.
AC Electroluminescent Processes in Pr3+-Activated (Ba0.4Ca0.6)TiO3 Diphase Polycrystals
Authors: Gao Nan , Zhang Min , Zhang Jun-Cheng
Published: May 2017

We investigated the properties of alternating current (AC)-driven electroluminescence from (Ba0.4Ca0.6)TiO3:Pr3+ diphase polycrystal-based device. The results of crystal phases and micrographs, and the symmetrical dual emissions in one AC cycle, indicate the spontaneous formation of a dielectric/phosphor/dielectric sandwich microstructure in (Ba0.4Ca0.6)TiO3:Pr3+. The electroluminescent device emits a red light of 617 nm, which is attributed to the 1D2-3H4 transition of Pr3+ in the phosphor phase. At a fixed AC frequency, the intensity of electroluminescence exhibits a steep enhancement when applying an increased driving electric field that is beyond a threshold. In a fixed driving electric field, the intensity of electroluminescence shows a rapid rise at low frequencies, but reaches saturation at high frequencies. Based on a double-injection model, we discussed systematically the electroluminescent processes in a whole cycle of AC electric field, which matched well with the experimental data. Our investigation is expected to expand our understanding of such a diphase electroluminescent device, thereby promoting their applications in lighting and displays.
Improvement in Char Strength with an Open Cage Silsesquioxane Flame Retardant
Authors: Bautista Yolanda , Gozalbo Ana , Mestre Sergio , Sanz Vicente
Published: May 2017

Different characterization techniques were used to study the hydrolysis and condensation reaction kinetics of 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPTMS) to obtain open cage silsesquioxane oligomers. The formation of hydrogen bonds, which condition the chemical structures of the resulting products, was identified. Improved thermal and fire resistant behavior of unsaturated polyester (UP) composites prepared with aluminium trihydroxide (ATH) and the synthesized oligomer were registered. Opened silsesquioxane structures also showed an improvement in the mechanical properties of the char formed after firing.
Investigating Size- and Temperature-Dependent Coercivity and Saturation Magnetization in PEG Coated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Nayek Chiranjib , Manna Kaustuv , Bhattacharjee Gourab , Murugavel Pattukkannu , Obaidat Ihab
Published: May 2017

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles with diameters of 12 nm, 15 nm, and 16 nm were synthesized by the usual co-precipitation method. The structure and morphology of the samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The ac magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The dc magnetic measurements were carried out using a commercial Quantum Design superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The XRD patterns indicated the sole existence of the inverse cubic spinel phase of Fe3O4 in all the samples. The histograms extracted from the TEM images show narrow size distributions with average sizes that are very similar to those obtained from the XRD images using the Scherrer’s formula. The temperature dependence of both coercivity and saturation magnetization, which were determined from the magnetic hysteresis loops, were found to have considerable deviations from the Bloch’s and Kneller’s laws. The size-dependent coercivity and saturation magnetization were found to be non-monotonic at nearly all temperatures. These results are discussed and attributed mainly to the finite size effects in addition to the existence of inter-particle interactions and of spin-glass structures that resulted from frozen canted surface spins at low temperatures.
The Venom Repertoire of Conus gloriamaris (Chemnitz, 1777), the Glory of the Sea
Authors: Robinson Samuel D. , Li Qing , Lu Aiping , Bandyopadhyay Pradip K. , Yandell Mark , Olivera Baldomero M. , Safavi-Hemami Helena
Published: May 2017

The marine cone snail Conus gloriamaris is an iconic species. For over two centuries, its shell was one of the most prized and valuable natural history objects in the world. Today, cone snails have attracted attention for their remarkable venom components. Many conotoxins are proving valuable as research tools, drug leads, and drugs. In this article, we present the venom gland transcriptome of C. gloriamaris, revealing this species’ conotoxin repertoire. More than 100 conotoxin sequences were identified, representing a valuable resource for future drug discovery efforts.
Effect of Calcium Oxide on the Crushing Strength, Reduction, and Smelting Performance of High-Chromium Vanadium–Titanium Magnetite Pellets
Authors: Cheng Gongjin , Gao Zixian , Yang He , Xue Xiangxin
Published: May 2017

The effect of calcium oxide on the crushing strength, reduction, and smelting performance of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite pellets (HCVTMP) was studied in this work. The main characterization methods of an electronic universal testing machine (EUTM), X-ray fluorescent (XRF), inductively-coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope-energy disperse spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were employed. The crushing strength was affected by the mineral phases generated during oxidative baking and the subsequently-formed pellet microstructures owing to CaO addition. The reduction and smelting properties of HCVTMP with different CaO additives were measured and characterized with different softening-melting-dripping indices. Although HCVTMP showed the highest crushing strength with CaO addition of ca. 2 wt %, more CaO addition may be needed to achieve high permeability of the furnace burdens and a good separation condition of the slag and melted iron. In the formation process of the slag and melted iron, it can be determined that CaO could have a relationship with the transformation behavior of Cr, V, and Ti to some extent, with respect to the predominant chemical composition analysis of ICP-AES and XRF. With the microscopic examination, the restraining formation of Ti(C,N) and the promoting formation of CaTiO3 are in accordance with the improved melting-dripping indices, including the decrease of the maximum external static load and gas permeability, and the increase of the melting-dripping zone and dripping difficulty.
Laser Beam Welding of a Ti–6Al–4V Support Flange for Buy-to-Fly Reduction
Authors: Caiazzo Fabrizia , Alfieri Vittorio , Corrado Gaetano , Argenio Paolo , Barbieri Giuseppe , Acerra Francesco , Innaro Vincenzo
Published: May 2017

Titanium and its alloys are increasingly being used in aerospace, although a number of issues must be addressed. Namely, in the framework of welding to produce complex parts, the same mechanical strength and a reduced buy-to-fly ratio are desired in comparison with the same components resulting from machining. To give grounds to actual application of autogenous laser beam welding, Ti–6Al–4V L- and T-joints have been investigated in this paper, as they are a common occurrence in general complex components. Discussions in terms of possible imperfections, microstructure, and microhardness have been conducted. Then, a real part consisting of a support flange for aerospace application has been chosen as a valuable test-article to be compared with its machined counterpart both in terms of strength and buy-to-fly. The feasibility and the effectiveness of the process are shown.
Metabolomics of Therapy Response in Preclinical Glioblastoma: A Multi-Slice MRSI-Based Volumetric Analysis for Noninvasive Assessment of Temozolomide Treatment
Authors: Arias-Ramos Nuria , Ferrer-Font Laura , Lope-Piedrafita Silvia , Mocioiu Victor , Julià-Sapé Margarida , Pumarola Martí , Arús Carles , Candiota Ana
Published: May 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with a short survival time even after aggressive therapy. Non-invasive surrogate biomarkers of therapy response may be relevant for improving patient survival. Previous work produced such biomarkers in preclinical GBM using semi-supervised source extraction and single-slice Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI). Nevertheless, GBMs are heterogeneous and single-slice studies could prevent obtaining relevant information. The purpose of this work was to evaluate whether a multi-slice MRSI approach, acquiring consecutive grids across the tumor, is feasible for preclinical models and may produce additional insight into therapy response. Nosological images were analyzed pixel-by-pixel and a relative responding volume, the Tumor Responding Index (TRI), was defined to quantify response. Heterogeneous response levels were observed and treated animals were ascribed to three arbitrary predefined groups: high response (HR, n = 2), TRI = 68.2 ± 2.8%, intermediate response (IR, n = 6), TRI = 41.1 ± 4.2% and low response (LR, n = 2), TRI = 13.4 ± 14.3%, producing therapy response categorization which had not been fully registered in single-slice studies. Results agreed with the multi-slice approach being feasible and producing an inverse correlation between TRI and Ki67 immunostaining. Additionally, ca. 7-day oscillations of TRI were observed, suggesting that host immune system activation in response to treatment could contribute to the responding patterns detected.
Design, Fabrication and Characterization of Molybdenum Field Emitter Arrays (Mo-FEAs)
Authors: Zhu Ningli , Chen Jing
Published: May 2017

We report on the fabrication of highly uniform field emitter arrays (FEAs) with an integrated self-aligned extraction gate from bulk molybdenum. All critical dimensions of the emitter tip were determined by a single process step of Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) etching. In addition, the height difference between the emitter tip and the gate plane was controlled by the thickness of the SiO2 dielectric layer. A 10 µm gate aperture molybdenum-FEAs (Mo-FEAs) at a typical 20 µm pitch with 6 µm height was achieved with 8.4 mA/cm2 current density at gate voltages of 110 V and the turn-on field of 1.4 V/µm. These self-aligned Mo-FEAs could be expanded to active larger areas to increase the emission current.
Rapid and Effective Electrical Conductivity Improvement of the Ag NW-Based Conductor by Using the Laser-Induced Nano-Welding Process
Authors: Lee Phillip , Kwon Jinhyeong , Lee Jinhwan , Lee Habeom , Suh Young , Hong Sukjoon , Yeo Junyeob
Published: May 2017

To date, the silver nanowire-based conductor has been widely used for flexible/stretchable electronics due to its several advantages. The optical nanowire annealing process has also received interest as an alternative annealing process to the Ag nanowire (NW)-based conductor. In this study, we present an analytical investigation on the phenomena of the Ag NWs’ junction and welding properties under laser exposure. The two different laser-induced welding processes (nanosecond (ns) pulse laser-induced nano-welding (LINW) and continuous wave (cw) scanning LINW) are applied to the Ag NW percolation networks. The Ag NWs are selectively melted and merged at the junction of Ag NWs under very short laser exposure; these results are confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), focused-ion beam (FIB), electrical measurement, and finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation.
Electroosmotic Flows of Power-Law Fluids with Asymmetric Electrochemical Boundary Conditions in a Rectangular Microchannel
Authors: Choi WooSeok , Yun Sungchan , Choi Du-Soon
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a systematic study of a fully developed electroosmotic flow of power-law fluids in a rectangular microchannel bounded by walls with different zeta potentials is described. Because the upper and lower layers of most microchannels are made of different materials, it is necessary to study the flow characteristics for cases in which the microchannels have different zeta potentials at each wall. The electrical potential and momentum equations were solved numerically using a finite element analysis. The velocity profiles and flow rates were studied parametrically by varying the fluid behavior index, channel aspect ratio, and electrochemical properties of the liquid and the bounding walls. The calculated volumetric flow rates in a rectangular microchannel were compared with those between two infinite parallel plates.
Kinetic Study of the Leaching of Low-Grade Manganese Ores by Using Pretreated Sawdust as Reductant
Authors: Sun Yang , Fu Gaofeng , Jiang Lan
Published: May 2017

The reductive leaching of manganese from a low-grade manganese oxide ore was investigated by using pretreated sawdust as the reductant in a sulfuric acid medium. The effects of stirring speed, liquid/solid ratio, sawdust/ore mass ratio, sulfuric acid concentration, reaction temperature, and time on the manganese extraction were examined. It was found that the leaching efficiency is strongly dependent on temperature and acid concentration. The leaching efficiency of manganese reached 94.1% under the optimal conditions: stirring speed of 300 rpm, liquid/solid ratio of 8:1, mass ratio of sawdust to ore 0.25, sulfuric acid concentration of 1 mol/L and a temperature of 363 K for 180 min. The kinetic analysis was carried out based on the shrinking core model, which indicated that the reductive leaching process was controlled by the chemical reaction. The reaction orders with respect to the sulfuric acid concentration and mass ratio of sawdust are 1.66 and 0.57, respectively. The apparent activation energy for the leaching process has been calculated using the Arrhenius expression and was found to be 51.7 kJ/mol.
Coal-Based Reduction and Magnetic Separation Behavior of Low-Grade Vanadium-Titanium Magnetite Pellets
Authors: Cheng Gongjin , Gao Zixian , Lv Mengyang , Yang He , Xue Xiangxin
Published: May 2017

Coal-based reduction and magnetic separation behavior of low-grade vanadium-titanium magnetite pellets were studied in this paper. It is found that the metallization degree increased obviously with an increase in the temperature from 1100 °C to 1400 °C. The phase composition transformation was specifically analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microscopic examination was carried out with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the element composition and distribution were detected with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). It is observed that the amounts of metallic iron particles obviously increased and the accumulation and growing tendency were gradually facilitated with the increase in the temperature from 1100 °C to 1400 °C. It is also found that the titanium oxides were gradually reduced and separated from ferrum-titanium oxides during reduction. In addition, with increasing the temperature from 1200 °C to 1350 °C, silicate phases, especially calcium silicate phases that were transformed from calcium ferrite at 1100 °C, were observed and gradually aggregated. However, at 1400 °C some silicate phases infiltrated into metallic iron, as it appears that the carbides, especially TiC, could probably contribute to the sintering phenomenon becoming serious. The transformation behavior of valuable elements was as follows: Fe2VO4 → VO → V → VC; FeTiO3 (→ FeTi2O5) → TiO2 → TiC; FeCr2O4 → Cr → CrC; FeTiO3 (→ FeTi2O5) → Fe0.5Mg0.5Ti2O5; (Fe3O4/FeTiO3→) FeO → Mg0.77Fe0.23O. Through the magnetic separation of coal-based reduced products, it is demonstrated that the separation of Cr, V, Ti, and non-magnetic phases can be preliminarily realized.
Protective Effects of Tormentic Acid, a Major Component of Suspension Cultures of Eriobotrya japonica Cells, on Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Jiang Wen-Ping , Huang Shyh-Shyun , Matsuda Yoshikazu , Saito Hiroshi , Uramaru Naoto , Ho Hui-Ya , Wu Jin-Bin , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: May 2017

An acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can cause hepatotoxicity and lead to fatal liver damage. The hepatoprotective effects of tormentic acid (TA) on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver damage were investigated in mice. TA was intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered for six days prior to APAP administration. Pretreatment with TA prevented the elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (T-Bil), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), and liver lipid peroxide levels in APAP-treated mice and markedly reduced APAP-induced histological alterations in liver tissues. Additionally, TA attenuated the APAP-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and IL-6. Furthermore, the Western blot analysis showed that TA blocked the protein expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), as well as the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation in APAP-injured liver tissues. TA also retained the superoxidase dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in the liver. These results suggest that the hepatoprotective effects of TA may be related to its anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK activation. Antioxidative properties were also observed, as shown by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction in the liver, and decreases in lipid peroxides and ROS. Therefore, TA may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention of APAP-induced liver injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.
In Vitro Assessment of Early Bacterial Activity on Micro/Nanostructured Ti6Al4V Surfaces
Authors: Valdez-Salas Benjamin , Beltrán-Partida Ernesto , Castillo-Uribe Sandra , Curiel-Álvarez Mario , Zlatev Roumen , Stoytcheva Margarita , Montero-Alpírez Gisela , Vargas-Osuna Lidia
Published: May 2017

It is imperative to understand and systematically compare the initial interactions between bacteria genre and surface properties. Thus, we fabricated a flat, anodized with 80 nm TiO2 nanotubes (NTs), and a rough Ti6Al4V surface. The materials were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We cultured in vitro Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) to evaluate the bacterial-surface behavior by FE-SEM and viability calculation. In addition, the initial effects of human osteoblasts were tested on the materials. Gram-negative bacteria showed promoted adherence and viability over the flat and rough surface, while NTs displayed opposite activity with altered morphology. Gram-positive bacteria illustrated similar cellular architecture over the surfaces but with promoted surface adhesion bonds on the flat alloy. Rough surfaces supported S. epidermidis viability, whilst NTs exhibited lower vitality. NTs advocated promoted better osteoblast organization with enhanced vitality. Gram-positive bacteria suggested preferred adhesion capability over flat and carbon-rich surfaces. Gram-negative bacteria were strongly disturbed by NTs but largely stimulated by flat and rough materials. Our work proposed that the chemical profile of the material surface and the bacterial cell wall characteristics might play an important role in the bacteria-surface interactions.
Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazolo[4,5-h]quinolone Derivatives with Novel Anti-Microbial Properties against Metronidazole Resistant Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Abu-Sini Mohammad , Mayyas Amal , Al-Karablieh Nehaya , Darwish Rula , Al-Hiari Yusuf , Aburjai Talal , Arabiyat Shereen , Abu-Qatouseh Luay
Published: May 2017

Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to gastritis, peptic ulcer, and the development of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Treatment and eradication of H. pylori infection can prevent relapse and accelerate the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers as well as regression of malignancy. Due to the increasing emergence of antibiotic resistance among clinical isolates of H. pylori, alternative approaches using newly discovered antimicrobial agents in combination with the standard antibiotic regimens for the treatment of H. pylori are of major importance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of newly synthesized 8-amino 7-substituted fluoroquinolone and their correspondent cyclized triazolo derivatives when either alone or combined with metronidazole against metronidazole-resistant H. pylori. Based on standard antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods and checkerboard titration assay, all of the tested compounds showed interesting antimicrobial activity against 12 clinical strains of H. pylori, with best in vitro effect for compounds 4b and 4c. Fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) mean values showed synergistic pattern in all compounds of Group 5. In addition, additive activities of some of the tested compounds of Group 4 were observed when combined with metronidazole. In contrast, the tested compounds showed no significant urease inhibition activity. These results support the potential of new fluoroquinolone derivatives to be useful in combination with anti-H. pylori drugs in the management of H. pylori-associated diseases.
Three New Abietane-Type Diterpenoids from Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.
Authors: Wang Zhen-Hui , Niu Chao , Zhou De-Jun , Kong Ji-Chuan , Zhang Wen-Kui
Published: May 2017

Three new abietane-type diterpenoids, named callicapoic acid M3 (1), callicapoic acid M4 (2) and callicapoic acid M5 (3), were isolated from the Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl. Their structures were established by spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV, MS, 1D and 2D NMR). All the isolated three compounds were evaluated for inhibitory activity on NO production in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells by using MTT assays. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 showed potent inhibitory activity, with inhibition rates of 34.47–40.13%.
Enhanced Production of Gypenoside LXXV Using a Novel Ginsenoside-Transforming β-Glucosidase from Ginseng-Cultivating Soil Bacteria and Its Anti-Cancer Property
Authors: Cui Chang-Hao , Kim Da Jung , Jung Suk-Chae , Kim Sun-Chang , Im Wan-Taek
Published: May 2017

Minor ginsenosides, such as compound K, Rg3(S), which can be produced by deglycosylation of ginsenosides Rb1, showed strong anti-cancer effects. However, the anticancer effects of gypenoside LXXV, which is one of the deglycosylated shapes of ginsenoside Rb1, is still unknown due to the rarity of its content in plants. Here, we cloned and characterized a novel ginsenoside-transforming β-glucosidase (BglG167b) derived from Microbacterium sp. Gsoil 167 which can efficiently hydrolyze gypenoside XVII into gypenoside LXXV, and applied it to the production of gypenoside LXXV at the gram-scale with high specificity. In addition, the anti-cancer activity of gypenoside LXXV was investigated against three cancer cell lines (HeLa, B16, and MDA-MB231) in vitro. Gypenoside LXXV significantly reduced cell viability, displaying an enhanced anti-cancer effect compared to gypenoside XVII and Rb1. Taken together, this enzymatic method would be useful in the preparation of gypenoside LXXV for the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.
Rapid and Cost-Effective Quantification of Glucosinolates and Total Phenolic Content in Rocket Leaves by Visible/Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Toledo-Martín Eva , Font Rafael , Obregón-Cano Sara , De Haro-Bailón Antonio , Villatoro-Pulido Myriam , Del Río-Celestino Mercedes
Published: May 2017

The potential of visible-near infrared spectroscopy to predict glucosinolates and total phenolic content in rocket (Eruca vesicaria) leaves has been evaluated. Accessions of the E. vesicaria species were scanned by NIRS as ground leaf, and their reference values regressed against different spectral transformations by modified partial least squares (MPLS) regression. The coefficients of determination in the external validation (R2VAL) for the different quality components analyzed in rocket ranged from 0.59 to 0.84, which characterize those equations as having from good to excellent quantitative information. These results show that the total glucosinolates, glucosativin and glucoerucin equations obtained, can be used to identify those samples with low and high contents. The glucoraphanin equation obtained can be used for rough predictions of samples and in case of total phenolic content, the equation showed good correlation. The standard deviation (SD) to standard error of prediction ratio (RPD) and SD to range (RER) were variable for the different quality compounds and showed values that were characteristic of equations suitable for screening purposes or to perform accurate analyses. From the study of the MPLS loadings of the first three terms of the different equations, it can be concluded that some major cell components such as protein and cellulose, highly participated in modelling the equations for glucosinolates.
A 4-Phenoxyphenol Derivative Exerts Inhibitory Effects on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through Regulating Autophagy and Apoptosis Accompanied by Downregulating α-Tubulin Expression
Authors: Chang Wen-Tsan , Liu Wangta , Chiu Yi-Han , Chen Bing-Hung , Chuang Shih-Chang , Chen Yen-Chun , Hsu Yun-Tzh , Lu Mei-Jei , Chiou Shean-Jaw , Chou Chon-Kit , Chiu Chien-Chih
Published: May 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cancer worldwide. Advanced HCCs are usually resistant to anticancer drugs, causing unsatisfactory chemotherapy outcomes. In this study, we showed that a 4-phenoxyphenol derivative, 4-[4-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)phenoxy]phenol (4-HPPP), exerts an inhibitory activity against two HCC cell lines, Huh7 and Ha22T. We further investigated the anti-HCC activities of 4-HPPP, including anti-proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Our results showed that higher dosage of 4-HPPP downregulates the expression of α-tubulin and causes nuclear enlargement in both the Huh-7 and Ha22T cell lines. Interestingly, the colony formation results showed a discrepancy in the inhibitory effect of 4-HPPP on HCC and rat liver epithelial Clone 9 cells, suggesting the selective cytotoxicity of 4-HPPP toward HCC cells. Furthermore, the cell proliferation and apoptosis assay results illustrated the differences between the two HCC cell lines. The results of cellular proliferation assays, including trypan blue exclusion and colony formation, revealed that 4-HPPP inhibits the growth of Huh7 cells, but exerts less cytotoxicity in Ha22T cells. Furthermore, the annexin V assay performed for detecting the apoptosis showed similar results. Western blotting results showed 4-HPPP caused the increase of pro-apoptotic factors including cleaved caspase-3, Bid and Bax in HCC cells, especially in Huh-7. Furthermore, an increase of autophagy-associated protein microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3B (LC3B)-II and the decrease of Beclin-1 and p62/SQSTM1 were observed following 4-HPPP treatment. Additionally, the level of γH2A histone family, member X (γH2AX), an endogenous DNA damage biomarker, was dramatically increased in Huh7 cells after 4-HPPP treatment, suggesting the involvement of DNA damage pathway in 4-HPPP-induced apoptosis. On the contrary, the western blotting results showed that treatment up-regulates pro-survival proteins, including the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and the level of survivin on Ha22T cells, which may confer a resistance toward 4-HPPP. Notably, the blockade of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), but not Akt, enhanced the cytotoxicity of 4-HPPP against Ha22T cells, indicating the pro-survival role of ERK in 4-HPPP-induced anti-HCC effect. Our present work suggests that selective anti-HCC activity of 4-HPPP acts through induction of DNA damage. Accordingly, the combination of ERK inhibitor may significantly enhance the anti-cancer effect of 4-HPPP for those HCC cells which overexpress ERK in the future.
Phloroglucinols with Antioxidant Activities Isolated from Lysidice rhodostegia
Authors: Wu Xian-Fu , Li Li , Li Yong , Lv Hai-Ning , Liu Yun-Bao , Hu You-Cai
Published: May 2017

Two new phloroglucinols, lysidisides X and Y (1 and 2), and two known compounds, 2-(2-methylbutyryl)phloroglucinol 1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3) and (E)-resveratrol 3-(6″-galloyl)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), have been isolated from the roots of Lysidice rhodostegia. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated primarily by NMR experiments. Their absolute configurations were deduced via circular dichroism (CD) data and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited significant antioxidative activities with IC50 values of 12.0 and 11.8 µM, respectively.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanooctahedra MnFe2O4 onto the Wood Surface with Soft Magnetism, Fire Resistance and Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Wang Hanwei , Yao Qiufang , Wang Chao , Ma Zhongqing , Sun Qingfeng , Fan Bitao , Jin Chunde , Chen Yipeng
Published: May 2017

In this study, nanooctahedra MnFe2O4 were successfully deposited on a wood surface via a low hydrothermal treatment by hydrogen bonding interactions. As-prepared MnFe2O4/wood composite (MW) had superior performance of soft magnetism, fire resistance and electromagnetic wave absorption. Among them, small hysteresis loops and low coercivity (<±5 Oe) were observed in the magnetization-field curve of MW with saturation magnetization of 28.24 emu/g, indicating its excellent soft magnetism. The MW also exhibited a good fire-resistant property due to its initial burning time at 20 s; while only 6 s for the untreated wood (UW) in combustion experiments. Additionally, this composite revealed good electromagnetic wave absorption with a minimum reflection loss of −9.3 dB at 16.48 GHz. Therefore, the MW has great potential in the fields of special decoration and indoor electromagnetic wave absorbers.
Dietary Green Pea Protects against DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice Challenged with High-Fat Diet
Authors: Bibi Shima , De Sousa Moraes Luís , Lebow Noelle , Zhu Mei-Jun
Published: May 2017

Obesity is a risk factor for developing inflammatory bowel disease. Pea is unique with its high content of dietary fiber, polyphenolics, and glycoproteins, all of which are known to be health beneficial. We aimed to investigate the impact of green pea (GP) supplementation on the susceptibility of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Six-week-old C57BL/6J female mice were fed a 45% HFD or HFD supplemented with 10% GP. After 7-week dietary supplementation, colitis was induced by adding 2.5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days followed by a 7-day recovery period. GP supplementation ameliorated the disease activity index score in HFD-fed mice during the recovery stage, and reduced neutrophil infiltration, mRNA expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-17, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in HFD-fed mice. Further, GP supplementation increased mucin 2 content and mRNA expression of goblet cell differentiation markers including Trefoil factor 3 (Tff3), Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4), and SAM pointed domain ETS factor 1 (Spdef1) in HFD-fed mice. In addition, GP ameliorated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as indicated by the reduced expression of Activating transcription factor-6 (ATF-6) protein and its target genes chaperone protein glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78), the CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), the ER degradation-enhancing α-mannosidase-like 1 protein (Edem1), and the X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1) in HFD-fed mice. In conclusion, GP supplementation ameliorated the severity of DSS-induced colitis in HFD-fed mice, which was associated with the suppression of inflammation, mucin depletion, and ER stress in the colon.
Comparative Safety and Efficacy Profile of a Novel Oil in Water Vaccine Adjuvant Comprising Vitamins A and E and a Catechin in Protective Anti-Influenza Immunity
Authors: Patel Sapna , Faraj Yasser , Duso Debra , Reiley William , Karlsson Erik , Schultz-Cherry Stacey , Vajdy Michael
Published: May 2017

Non-replicating vaccines, such as those based on recombinant proteins, require adjuvants and delivery systems, which have thus far depended on mimicking pathogen danger signals and strong pro-inflammatory responses. In search of a safer and more efficacious alternative, we tested whether vaccinations with influenza recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) mixed with a novel vegetable oil in water emulsion adjuvant (Natural Immune-enhancing Delivery System, NIDS), based on the immune-enhancing synergy of vitamins A and E and a catechin, could protect against intra-nasal challenge with live influenza virus. Vaccinations of inbred Brag Albino strain c (BALB/c) mice, with HA mixed with NIDS compared to other adjuvants, i.e., a squalene oil in water emulsion (Sq. oil), and the Toll Like Receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist Poly (I:C), induced significantly lower select innate pro-inflammatory responses in serum, but induced significantly higher adaptive antibody and splenic T Helper 1 (TH1) or TH2, but not TH17, responses. Vaccinations with NIDS protected against infection, as measured by clinical scores, lung viral loads, and serum hemagglutination inhibition titers. The NIDS exhibited a strong dose sparing effect and the adjuvant action of NIDS was intact in the outbred CD1 mice. Importantly, vaccinations with the Sq. oil, but not NIDS, induced a significantly higher Serum Amyloid P component, an acute phase reactant secreted by hepatocytes, and total serum IgE. Thus, the NIDS may be used as a clinically safer and more efficacious vaccine adjuvant against influenza, and potentially other infectious diseases.
Evolution not Revolution: Nutrition and Obesity
Authors: Rush Elaine , Yan Mary
Published: May 2017

The increasing prevalence of obesity over the course of life is a global health challenge because of its strong and positive association with significant health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some cancers. The complex causes and drivers of obesity include genetic factors, social, ecological and political influences, food production and supply, and dietary patterns. Public health messages and government food and activity guidelines have little impact; the retail food environment has many low-priced, nutrient-poor, but energy-dense products and there is a gap between what an individual knows and what they do. Public health and education services need legislation to mandate supportive environments and promote food literacy. Two New Zealand case studies of proof-of-principle of positive change are described: Project Energize and Under 5 Energize as exemplars of school environment change, and the development of the Nothing Else™ healthier snack bar as an example of working with the food industry. Changes in food literacy alongside food supply will contribute in the long term to positive effects on the future prevalence of obesity and the onset of non-communicable disease. More cross-disciplinary translational research to inform how to improve the food supply and food literacy will improve the health and wellbeing of the economy and the population.
Increase in Weight in Low Birth Weight and Very Low Birth Weight Infants Fed Fortified Breast Milk versus Formula Milk: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lok Kris , Chau Pui , Fan Heidi , Chan Kam , Chan Bill , Fung Genevieve , Tarrant Marie
Published: May 2017

There has been a dramatic rise in preterm births in developed countries owing to changes in clinical practices and greater use of assisted reproductive techniques. However, few studies have examined the growth and outcomes of preterm infants according to the type of feeding (with fortified breast milk or formula). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of breast milk feedings and formula on the growth and short-term outcomes of preterm infants in Hong Kong. In a single-center retrospective cohort study, we included 642 preterm infants at gestational age <37 weeks with birth weights <2200 g. According to World Health Organization criteria, 466 were classified as low birth weight (LBW) infants (≥1500 g and <2200 g) and 176 were classified as very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (<1500 g). The mothers of approximately 80% of VLBW infants and 60% LBW infants initiated breast milk feeding. When compared with no breast milk intake, LBW infants that received breast milk were significantly more likely to have growth z-scores closer to the median of the reference population on admission and experienced slower weight gain from birth to discharge. When breast milk was categorized by percent of total enteral intake, significant differences were seen among LBW infants, with lower percentages of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) status at discharge with increased proportions of breast milk intake. Our results suggest that LBW infants fed breast milk had better growth z-scores and lower SGA status at discharge compared with those predominately fed preterm formula.
Vitamin A Status of Women and Children in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon, is Unchanged One Year after Initiation of a National Vitamin A Oil Fortification Program
Authors: Engle-Stone Reina , Nankap Martin , Ndjebayi Alex , Gimou Marie-Madeleine , Friedman Avital , Haskell Marjorie , Tarini Ann , Brown Kenneth
Published: May 2017

Vitamin A (VA) fortification of cooking oil is considered a cost-effective strategy for increasing VA status, but few large-scale programs have been evaluated. We conducted representative surveys in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon, 2 years before and 1 year after the introduction of a mandatory national program to fortify cooking oil with VA. In each survey, 10 different households were selected within each of the same 30 clusters (n = ~300). Malaria infection and plasma indicators of inflammation and VA (retinol-binding protein, pRBP) status were assessed among women aged 15–49 years and children aged 12–59 months, and casual breast milk samples were collected for VA and fat measurements. Refined oil intake was measured by a food frequency questionnaire, and VA was measured in household oil samples post-fortification. Pre-fortification, low inflammation-adjusted pRBP was common among children (33% <0.83 µmol/L), but not women (2% <0.78 µmol/L). Refined cooking oil was consumed by >80% of participants in the past week. Post-fortification, only 44% of oil samples were fortified, but fortified samples contained VA concentrations close to the target values. Controlling for age, inflammation, and other covariates, there was no difference in the mean pRBP, mean breast milk VA, prevalence of low pRBP, or prevalence of low milk VA between the pre- and post-fortification surveys. The frequency of refined oil intake was not associated with VA status indicators post-fortification. In sum, after a year of cooking oil fortification with VA, we did not detect evidence of increased plasma RBP or milk VA among urban women and preschool children, possibly because less than half of the refined oil was fortified. The enforcement of norms should be strengthened, and the program should be evaluated in other regions where the prevalence of VA deficiency was greater pre-fortification.