bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Agonists Improve Facilitation of Contextual Fear Extinction in an MPTP-Induced Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ishii Toshiaki , Kinoshita Ken-ichi , Muroi Yoshikage
Published: October 2019

Previously, we found that 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson’s disease (PD) model mice (PD mice) showed facilitation of hippocampal memory extinction via reduced cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/cAMP-dependent response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling, which may cause cognitive impairment in PD. Serotonergic neurons in the median raphe nucleus (MnRN) project to the hippocampus, and functional abnormalities have been reported. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the serotonin 5-HT4 receptor (5-HT4R) agonists prucalopride and velusetrag on the facilitation of memory extinction observed in PD mice. Both 5-HT4R agonists restored facilitation of contextual fear extinction in PD mice by stimulating the cAMP/CREB pathway in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. A retrograde fluorogold-tracer study showed that γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) neurons in the reticular part of the substantia nigra (SNr), but not dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), projected to serotonergic neurons in the MnRN, which are known to project their nerve terminals to the hippocampus. It is possible that the degeneration of the SNpc DAergic neurons in PD mice affects the SNr GABAergic neurons, and thereafter, the serotonergic neurons in the MnRN, resulting in hippocampal dysfunction. These findings suggest that 5HT4R agonists could be potentially useful as therapeutic drugs for treating cognitive deficits in PD.
PD-L1/PD-1 Axis in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Litak Jakub , Mazurek Marek , Grochowski Cezary , Kamieniak Piotr , Roliński Jacek
Published: October 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most popular primary central nervous system cancer and has an extremely expansive course. Aggressive tumor growth correlates with short median overall survival (OS) oscillating between 14 and 17 months. The survival rate of patients in a three-year follow up oscillates around 10%. The interaction of the proteins programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1) creates an immunoregulatory axis promoting invasion of glioblastoma multiforme cells in the brain tissue. The PD-1 pathway maintains immunological homeostasis and protects against autoimmunity. PD-L1 expression on glioblastoma surface promotes PD-1 receptor activation in microglia, resulting in the negative regulation of T cell responses. Glioblastoma multiforme cells induce PD-L1 secretion by activation of various receptors such as toll like receptor (TLR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), interferon alpha receptor (IFNAR), interferon-gamma receptor (IFNGR). Binding of the PD-1 ligand to the PD-1 receptor activates the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2, which dephosphorylates Zap 70, and this inhibits T cell proliferation and downregulates lymphocyte cytotoxic activity. Relevant studies demonstrated that the expression of PD-L1 in glioma correlates with WHO grading and could be considered as a tumor biomarker. Studies in preclinical GBM mouse models confirmed the safety and efficiency of monoclonal antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Satisfactory results such as significant regression of tumor mass and longer animal survival time were observed. Monoclonal antibodies inhibiting PD-1 and PD-L1 are being tested in clinical trials concerning patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.
The Influence of a Nanopatterned Scaffold that Mimics Abnormal Renal Mesangial Matrix on Mesangial Cell Behavior
Authors: Chang Chia-Jung , Minei Rin , Sato Takeshi , Taniguchi Akiyoshi
Published: October 2019

The alteration of mesangial matrix (MM) components in mesangium, such as type IV collagen (COL4) and type I collagen (COL1), is commonly found in progressive glomerular disease. Mesangial cells (MCs) responding to altered MM, show critical changes in cell function. This suggests that the diseased MM structure could play an important role in MC behavior. To investigate how MC behavior is influenced by the diseased MM 3D nanostructure, we fabricated the titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based nanopatterns that mimic diseased MM nanostructures. Immortalized mouse MCs were used to assess the influence of disease-mimic nanopatterns on cell functions, and were compared with a normal-mimic nanopattern. The results showed that the disease-mimic nanopattern induced disease-like behavior, including increased proliferation, excessive production of abnormal MM components (COL1 and fibronectin) and decreased normal MM components (COL4 and laminin α1). In contrast, the normal-mimic nanopattern actually resulted in cells displaying normal proliferation and the production of normal MM components. In addition, increased expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and integrin α5β1 were detected in cells grown on the disease-mimic nanopattern. These results indicated that the disease-mimic nanopattern induced disease-like cell behavior. These findings will help further establish a disease model that mimics abnormal MM nanostructures and also to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying glomerular disease.
Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 3 is Critical for α-Synuclein Uptake and MPP+-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cultured Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Kawahata Ichiro , Bousset Luc , Melki Ronald , Fukunaga Kohji
Published: October 2019

α-Synuclein is an abundant neuronal protein that accumulates in insoluble inclusions in Parkinson′s disease and other synucleinopathies. Fatty acids partially regulate α-Synuclein accumulation, and mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons highly express fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3). We previously demonstrated that FABP3 knockout mice show decreased α-Synuclein oligomerization and neuronal degeneration of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in vivo. In this study, we newly investigated the importance of FABP3 in α-Synuclein uptake, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced axodendritic retraction, and mitochondrial dysfunction. To disclose the issues, we employed cultured mesencephalic neurons derived from wild type or FABP3−/− C57BL6 mice and performed immunocytochemical analysis. We demonstrated that TH+ neurons from FABP3+/+ mice take up α-Synuclein monomers while FABP3−/− TH+ neurons do not. The formation of filamentous α-Synuclein inclusions following treatment with MPP+ was observed only in FABP3+/+, and not in FABP3−/− neurons. Notably, detailed morphological analysis revealed that FABP−/− neurons did not exhibit MPP+-induced axodendritic retraction. Moreover, FABP3 was also critical for MPP+-induced reduction of mitochondrial activity and the production of reactive oxygen species. These data indicate that FABP3 is critical for α-Synuclein uptake in dopaminergic neurons, thereby preventing synucleinopathies, including Parkinson′s disease.
A Shifty Target: Tumor-Initiating Cells and Their Metabolism
Authors: Bezuidenhout Nicole , Shoshan Maria
Published: October 2019

Tumor-initiating cells (TICs), or cancer stem cells, constitute highly chemoresistant, asymmetrically dividing, and tumor-initiating populations in cancer and are thought to play a key role in metastatic and chemoresistant disease. Tumor-initiating cells are isolated from cell lines and clinical samples based on features such as sphere formation in stem cell medium and expression of TIC markers, typically a set of outer membrane proteins and certain transcription factors. Although both bulk tumor cells and TICs show an adaptive metabolic plasticity, TIC metabolism is thought to differ and likely in a tumor-specific and growth condition-dependent pattern. In the context of some common solid tumor diseases, we here review reports on how TIC isolation methods and markers associate with metabolic features, with some focus on oxidative metabolism, including fatty acid and lipid metabolism. These have emerged as significant factors in TIC phenotypes, and in tumor biology as a whole. Other sections address mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics in TICs, and the influence of the tumor microenvironment. Further elucidation of the complex biology of TICs and their metabolism will require advanced methodologies.
Immune-Inflammatory Responses in Atherosclerosis: The Role of Myeloid Cells
Authors: Chistiakov Dimitry A. , Kashirskikh Dmitry A. , Khotina Victoriya A. , Grechko Andrey V. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: October 2019

Inflammation plays a key role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and can be caused by multiple agents, including increased concentration of circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Areas of the arterial wall affected by atherosclerosis are enriched with lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). Atherosclerotic plaques contain a variety of proinflammatory immune cells, such as macrophages, DCs, T cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils and others. Intracellular lipid accumulation in atherosclerotic plaque leads to formation of so-called foam cells, the cytoplasm of which is filled with lipid droplets. According to current understanding, these cells can also derive from the immune cells that engulf lipids by means of phagocytosis. Macrophages play a crucial role in the initial stages of atherogenesis by engulfing oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in the intima that leads to their transformation to foam cells. Dying macrophages inside the plaque form a necrotic core that further aggravates the lesion. Proinflammatory DCs prime differentiation of naïve T cells to proinflammatory Th1 and Th17 subsets. In this review, we discuss the roles of cell types of myeloid origin in atherosclerosis-associated inflammation.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Hyponatremia Associated with Acute Central Nervous System Infections
Authors: Lim Andy K.H. , Paramaswaran Sahira , Jellie Lucy J. , Junckerstorff Ralph K.
Published: October 2019

Hyponatremia can occur with central nervous system (CNS) infections, but the frequency and severity may depend on the organism and nature of CNS involvement. In this cross-sectional study at a large Australian hospital network from 2015 to 2018, we aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of hyponatremia associated with CNS infection clinical syndromes, and the association with specific organisms. We examined the results of cerebrospinal fluid analysis from lumbar punctures performed in 184 adult patients with a serum sodium below 135 mmol/L who had abnormal cerebrospinal fluid analysis and a clinical syndrome consistent with an acute CNS infection (meningitis or encephalitis). Hyponatremia affected 39% of patients and was more severe and frequent in patients with encephalitis compared to meningitis (odds ratio = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.43–6.39, after adjusting for age). Hyponatremia was present on admission in 85% of cases. Herpes simplex virus infection was associated with the highest odds of hyponatremia (odds ratio = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.13–7.87) while enterovirus infection was associated with the lowest (odds ratio = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14–0.92), compared to cases without an isolated organism. We concluded that the risk of hyponatremia may vary by the organism isolated but the clinical syndrome was a useful surrogate for predicting the probability of developing hyponatremia.
Smartphone Apps Targeting Hazardous Drinking Patterns among University Students Show Differential Subgroup Effects over 20 Weeks: Results from a Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Berman Anne H. , Andersson Claes , Gajecki Mikael , Rosendahl Ingvar , Sinadinovic Kristina , Blankers Matthijs
Published: October 2019

Overconsumption of alcohol, from hazardous to excessive, heavy, and harmful levels, is common among university students. Consenting Swedish students were assigned to one of two smartphone apps offering feedback on estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC; Promillekoll/PartyPlanner) or assessment only (n = 2166; 1:1:1 ratio). App participants with excessive drinking according to public health criteria (>9/>14 drinks/week for women/men, respectively) at a 7 week follow-up were additionally assigned to the skills-based TeleCoach app or waitlist (n = 186; 1:1 ratio). All participants were followed at 14 and 20 weeks. At 7 weeks, Promillekoll users showed higher risk of excessive drinking (odds ratio (OR) = 1.83; p ≤ 0.01; n = 1558). Students in eBAC app groups with only hazardous use showed fewer binge drinking occasions at 14 weeks and lower eBAC levels up to 20 weeks compared to controls (n = 1157). Also, more highly motivated participants at baseline in both eBAC app groups drank less compared to controls at 7 and 20 weeks. Hidden Markov model analysis revealed a frequent-heavy drinking group (n = 146; 4.6 days/week, SD = 1.4), where those with access to TeleCoach had fewer drinking days compared to assessment-only controls (p < 0.001). eBAC apps showed positive effects up to 20 weeks, particularly for motivated students, and a skills-based app can reduce consumption for those with frequent-heavy drinking patterns.
Detection of Biological Bricks in Space. The Case of Adenine in Silica Aerogel
Authors: Percot Aline , Zins Emilie-Laure , Al Araji Amélie , Ngo Anh-Tu , Vergne Jacques , Tabata Makoto , Yamagishi Akihiko , Maurel Marie-Christine
Published: October 2019

Space missions using probes to return dust samples are becoming more frequent. Dust collectors made of silica aerogel blocks are used to trap and bring back extraterrestrial particles for analysis. In this work, we show that it is possible to detect traces of adenine using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The method was first optimized using adenine deposition on glass slides and in glass wells. After this preliminary step, adenine solution was injected into the silica aerogel. Finally, gaseous adenine was successfully trapped in the aerogel. The presence of traces of adenine was monitored by SERS through its characteristic bands at 732, 1323, and 1458 cm−1 after the addition of the silver Creighton colloid. Such a method can be extended in the frame of Tanpopo missions for studying the interplanetary transfer of prebiotic organic compounds of biological interest.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation on the Diffusion of Flavor, O2 and H2O Molecules in LDPE Film
Authors: Sun Binqing , Lu Lixin , Zhu Yong
Published: October 2019

The diffusion of five flavor organic molecules, including D-limonene, myrcene, ethyl hexanoate, 2-nonanone, and linalool in low density polyethylene (LDPE) film were investigated by combined experimental and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies. The diffusion coefficients derived from the prediction model, experimental determination, and MD simulation were compared, and the related microscopic diffusion mechanism was investigated. The effects of the presence of the flavor organic molecules on the diffusion of O2 and H2O in polyethylene (PE) were also studied by MD simulation. Results show that: The diffusion of five flavor molecules in LDPE is well followed to Fick’s second law by the immersion experiment; MD simulation indicates the dual mode diffusion mechanism of the flavor molecules is in LDPE; the diffusion coefficients from MD simulation are close to those from the experimental determination, but are slightly larger than those values; the presence of the flavor organic molecules hinders the diffusion of O2 and H2O, which can be well explained from the fraction of free volume (FFV) and interaction energy calculation results derived from MD simulation.
Bond Properties of Steel Bar in Concrete under Water Environment
Authors: Song Li , Qu Fulai , Liu Guirong , Zhao Shunbo
Published: October 2019

The present study concerns the bond behavior of steel bar in concrete under a water environment. This topic was put forward because of the changes of concrete under a water environment and the importance of reliable anchorage of steel bar for reinforced concrete structures. Thirty bond specimens with deformed steel bars were immersed in water and experimentally studied by pull-out tests. The soaking time from 28 day to 360 day and the cubic compressive strength of concrete with 20 N/mm2 and 40 N/mm2 were considered as the main parameters. The results indicate that the moisture content, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength of concrete are affected by the water environment; the splitting tensile strength varies almost linearly with the compressive strength of concrete; and the descent portion of the bond–slip curve dropped slowly owing to the confinement of stirrups. On the basis of the test data, the formulas for the prediction of bond strength, residual strength, and the corresponding slips with different soaking time are proposed. Finally, the constitutive relation of bond–slip with two portions in the water environment is established with good agreement with the experimental bond–slip curves.
Rheological Law and Mechanism for Superplastic Deformation of Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhou Ge , Wang Xin , Liu Jiajing , Li Jianlin , Zhang Haoyu , Chen Lijia
Published: October 2019

The behaviors of and mechanisms acting in Ti–6Al–4V alloy during low-temperature superplastic deformation were systematically studied by using a Gleeble-3800 thermocompression simulation machine. Focusing on the mechanical behaviors and microstructure evolution laws during low-temperature superplastic compression tests, we clarified the changing laws of the strain rate sensitivity index, activation energy of deformation, and grain index at varying strain rates and temperatures. Hot working images based on the dynamic material model and the deformation mechanism maps involving dislocation quantity were plotted on the basis of PRASAD instability criteria. The low-temperature superplastic compression-forming technique zone and the rheological instability zone of Ti–6Al–4V were analyzed by using hot processing theories. The dislocation evolution laws and deformation mechanisms of the grain size with Burgers vector compensation and the rheological stress with modulus compensation during the low-temperature superplastic compression of Ti–6Al–4V were predicted by using deformation mechanism maps.
Compounds with Epoxy Resins and Phase Change Materials for Storage in Solar Applications
Authors: Álvarez Feijoo Miguel Ángel , Arce Fariña María Elena , Suárez-García Andrés , González-Peña David , Díez-Mediavilla Montserrat
Published: October 2019

Composite materials have great potential for growth due to their excellent properties and their multiple applications. The study of the thermal properties of the new composites resulting from the combination of epoxy resin and phase change materials (PCM), as well as thickening agents and thermally conductive compounds, was the objective of this work. For this purpose, different samples were manufactured by combining epoxy resins, organic PCMs (paraffins), and aluminum particles. Several properties were analyzed: thermal behavior (by differential scanning calorimetry technique), hardness, etc. To carry out this analysis, parameters of PCM quantity and metallic particles in the composition were varied. The results showed that the epoxy resin acted as a matrix containing the rest of the components and encapsulating the PCM. The organic PCM showed reversibility when subjected to multiple cycles. The enthalpy of the organic PCM–resin compound varied linearly according to the PCM content in the sample. For the content of this material in the samples to reach up to 40%, the use of thickening agents was necessary. The use of metallic particles improved the conductivity of the composites even while maintaining a low percentage by weight of metallic particles. Thermal simulations of the composite in bottom-coating a photovoltaic panel estimated a reduction of several degrees Celsius, showing the potential use of the PCM–epoxy resin for improving the energy production of such panels.
The Rise of (Chiral) 3D Mechanical Metamaterials
Authors: Reinbold Janet , Frenzel Tobias , Münchinger Alexander , Wegener Martin
Published: October 2019

On the occasion of this special issue, we start by briefly outlining some of the history and future perspectives of the field of 3D metamaterials in general and 3D mechanical metamaterials in particular. Next, in the spirit of a specific example, we present our original numerical as well as experimental results on the phenomenon of acoustical activity, the mechanical counterpart of optical activity. We consider a three-dimensional chiral cubic mechanical metamaterial architecture that is different from the one that we have investigated in recent early experiments. We find even larger linear-polarization rotation angles per metamaterial crystal lattice constant than previously and a slower decrease of the effects towards the bulk limit.
The Application of Granulated Expanded Glass Aggregate with Cement Grout as an Alternative Solution for Sub-Grade and Frost-Protection Sub-Base Layer in Road Construction
Authors: Kurpińska Marzena , Grzyl Beata , Pszczola Marek , Kristowski Adam
Published: October 2019

The purpose of the research was to assess the possibility of using granulated expanded glass aggregate (GEGA) with cement grout as a replacement of a sub-grade and frost-protection layer, made of natural fine aggregates (NATU), stabilized with a hydraulic binder. Instead of traditional parts of the road construction, such as the sub-grade and frost-protection layer with the application of fine aggregate, stabilized with cement, the authors propose only one layer, made of lightweight water-permeable material, containing GEGA with a grain size from 8 to 11.2 mm. In the article the authors present the physical properties of the materials, applied for the road layers, the properties of the fine aggregate, stabilized with cement, and those of the cement composite with GEGA as an alternative solution. The laboratory test results of fine aggregates, stabilized with cement and of cement composites with GEGA, are presented. Porosity, volume density, compressive strength, and frost resistance are being researched. The results of those tests are meant to play an essential role in designing the thickness of road layers. Different types of pavement structure (asphalt and concrete) and different values of road load are being considered in the given work. The paper is concluded with considerations on an innovative solution, involving the use of ecological materials.
Transfer-Free Graphene-Like Thin Films on GaN LED Epiwafers Grown by PECVD Using an Ultrathin Pt Catalyst for Transparent Electrode Applications
Authors: Xiong Fangzhu , Guo Weiling , Feng Shiwei , Li Xuan , Du Zaifa , Wang Le , Deng Jun , Sun Jie
Published: October 2019

In this work, we grew transfer-free graphene-like thin films (GLTFs) directly on gallium nitride (GaN)/sapphire light-emitting diode (LED) substrates. Their electrical, optical and thermal properties were studied for transparent electrode applications. Ultrathin platinum (2 nm) was used as the catalyst in the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The growth parameters were adjusted such that the high temperature exposure of GaN wafers was reduced to its minimum (deposition temperature as low as 600 °C) to ensure the intactness of GaN epilayers. In a comparison study of the Pt-GLTF GaN LED devices and Pt-only LED devices, the former was found to be superior in most aspects, including surface sheet resistance, power consumption, and temperature distribution, but not in optical transmission. This confirmed that the as-developed GLTF-based transparent electrodes had good current spreading, current injection and thermal spreading functionalities. Most importantly, the technique presented herein does not involve any material transfer, rendering a scalable, controllable, reproducible and semiconductor industry-compatible solution for transparent electrodes in GaN-based optoelectronic devices.
Temperature and Microstructure Evolution in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Wire Feed Additive Manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Charles Murgau Corinne , Lundbäck Andreas , Åkerfeldt Pia , Pederson Robert
Published: October 2019

In the present study, the gas tungsten arc welding wire feed additive manufacturing process is simulated and its final microstructure predicted by microstructural modelling, which is validated by microstructural characterization. The Finite Element Method is used to solve the temperature field and microstructural evolution during a gas tungsten arc welding wire feed additive manufacturing process. The microstructure of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V is computed based on the temperature evolution in a density-based approach and coupled to a model that predicts the thickness of the α lath morphology. The work presented herein includes the first coupling of the process simulation and microstructural modelling, which have been studied separately in previous work by the authors. In addition, the results from simulations are presented and validated with qualitative and quantitative microstructural analyses. The coupling of the process simulation and microstructural modeling indicate promising results, since the microstructural analysis shows good agreement with the predicted alpha lath size.
Mineral-Enriched Deep-Sea Water Modulates Lactate Metabolism via PGC-1α-Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Ha Byung , Jung Sung , Jang You , Jeon Byong , Shon Yun
Published: October 2019

Metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity are serious global health issues. These diseases are accelerated by mineral deficiencies, emphasizing the importance of addressing these deficiencies in disease management plans. Lactate metabolism is fundamentally linked to glucose metabolism, and several clinical studies have reported that blood lactate levels are higher in obese and diabetic patients than in healthy subjects. Balanced deep-sea water contains various minerals and exhibits antiobesity and antidiabetic activities in mice; however, the impact of balanced deep-sea water on lactate metabolism is unclear. Thus, we evaluated the effects of balanced deep-sea water on lactate metabolism in C2C12 myotubes, and found that balanced deep-sea water mediated lactate metabolism by regulating the gene expression levels of lactate dehydrogenases A and B, a monocarboxylate transporter, and a mitochondrial pyruvate carrier. The activities of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and signaling molecules involved in PGC-1α activation were also upregulated by treatment with balanced deep-sea water. These results suggest that balanced deep-sea water, which can mediate lactate metabolism, may be used to prevent or treat obesity and diabetes mellitus.
Shear Punching of Amorphous Alloys under High-Frequency Vibrations
Authors: Li Hongzhen , Yan Yuqiang , Sun Fei , Li Kangsen , Luo Feng , Ma Jiang
Published: October 2019

Although amorphous alloys possess many excellent properties, their practical application is limited due to the difficulty of plastic forming. In this work, an effective shear punching of amorphous alloys under high-frequency vibrations was proposed. Under the high-frequency vibration of the punch, the plastic powder was melted into a flexible punch due to the frictional heat generation effect and the viscoelastic heat effect and continued to flow downward under the extrusion of the ultrasonic head to plastically deform the amorphous alloy ribbon. The disordered structure of the amorphous alloys helps them get soft in a localized region during high-frequency vibrations, which can result in low-stress deformations that are different from amorphous alloys in the conventional state. We manufactured various shapes with area of 5 mm2 using high-frequency vibrations and a molten plastic viscous medium. The molds were shaped into the letters “B”, “M”, and “G” and the Chinese characters “工” and “大”. The shapes were made from Fe-based, Al-based, La-based, and Cu-based amorphous alloys. Our results show that shear punching of amorphous alloys under high-frequency vibrations is an effective and low-cost production method of amorphous alloy, which also provides a basis for the wide application of amorphous alloy.
Discrimination of Red Wines with a Gas-Sensor Array Based on a Surface-Acoustic-Wave Technique
Authors: Lin Min-Han , Ke Ling-Yi , Yao Da-Jeng
Published: October 2019

We applied a thermal-desorption gas-chromatograph mass-spectrometer (TD-GC–MS) system to identify the marker volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the aroma of red wine. After obtaining the marker VOC, we utilized surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to develop a highly sensitive sensing system as ‘electronic nose’ to detect these marker VOC. The SAW chips were fabricated on a LiNbO3 substrate with a lithographic process. We coated sensing polymers on the sensing area to adsorb the marker VOC in a sample gas. The adsorption of the marker VOC altered the velocity of the SAW according to a mass-loading effect, causing a frequency decrease. This experiment was conducted with wines of three grape varieties—cabernet sauvignon, merlot and black queen. According to the results of TD-GC–MS, the King brand of red wine is likely to have unique VOC, which are 2-pentanone, dimethyl disulfide, 2-methylpropyl acetate and 2-pentanol; Blue Nun-1 probably has a special VOC such as 2,3-butanedione. We hence used a SAW sensor array to detect the aroma of red wines and to distinguish their components by their frequency shift. The results show that the use of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) as a detecting material can distinguish Blue Nun-2 from the others and the use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) can distinguish King from the others. We conducted random tests to prove the accuracy and the reliability of our SAW sensors.
Squeezing Dynamic Mechanism of High-Viscosity Droplet and its Application for Adhesive Dispensing in Sub-Nanoliter Resolution
Authors: Zhu Ping , Xu Zheng , Xu Xiaoyu , Wang Dazhi , Wang Xiaodong , Yan Ying , Wang Liding
Published: October 2019

The dispensing resolution of high-viscosity liquid is essential for adhesive micro-bonding. In comparison with the injection technique, the transfer printing method appears to be promising. Herein, an analytical model was developed to describe the dynamic mechanism of squeezing-and-deforming a viscous droplet between plates in a transfer printing process: as the distance between plates decreases, the main constituents of contact force between the droplet and substrate can be divided into three stages: surface tension force, surface tension force and viscous force, and viscous force. According to the above analysis, the transfer printing method was built up to dispense high-viscosity adhesives, which replaced the geometric parameters, utilized the critical contact force to monitor the adhesive droplet status, and served as the criterion to trigger the liquid-bridge stretching stage. With a home-made device and a simple needle-stamp, the minimum dispensed amount of 0.05 nL (93.93 Pa·s) was achieved. Moreover, both the volume and the contact area of adhesive droplet on the substrate were approximately linear to the critical contact force. The revealed mechanism and proposed method have great potential in micro-assembly and other applications of viscous microfluidics.
Elucidating Escherichia Coli O157:H7 Colonization and Internalization in Cucumbers Using an Inverted Fluorescence Microscope and Hyperspectral Microscopy
Authors: Sun Yeting , Wang Dan , Ma Yue , Guan Hongyang , Liang Hao , Zhao Xiaoyan
Published: October 2019

Contamination of fresh cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) with Escherichia coli O157:H7 can impact the health of consumers. Despite this, the pertinent mechanisms underlying E. coli O157:H7 colonization and internalization remain poorly documented. Herein we aimed to elucidate these mechanisms in cucumbers using an inverted fluorescence microscope and hyperspectral microscopy. We observed that E. coli O157:H7 primarily colonized around the stomata on cucumber epidermis without invading the internal tissues of intact cucumbers. Once the bacterial cells had infiltrated into the internal tissues, they colonized the cucumber placenta and vascular bundles (xylem vessels, in particular), and also migrated along the xylem vessels. Moreover, the movement rate of E. coli O157:H7 from the stalk to the flower bud was faster than that from the flower bud to the stalk. We then used hyperspectral microscope imaging to categorize the infiltrated and uninfiltrated areas with high accuracy using the spectral angle mapper (SAM) classification method, which confirmed the results obtained upon using the inverted fluorescence microscope. We believe that our results are pivotal for developing science-based food safety practices, interventions for controlling E. coli O157:H7 internalization, and new methods for detecting E. coli O157:H7-plant interactions.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Ocimum gratissimum L. Essential Oil Against Multidrug-Resistant Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Melo Ramaiana Soares , Albuquerque Azevedo Águida Maria , Gomes Pereira Antônio Mateus , Rocha Renan Rhonalty , Bastos Cavalcante Rafaela Mesquita , Carneiro Matos Maria Nágila , Ribeiro Lopes Pedro Henrique , Gomes Geovany Amorim , Soares Rodrigues Tigressa Helena , Santos Hélcio Silva dos , Ponte Izabelly Linhares , Costa Renata Albuquerque , Brito Gabriel Sousa , Catunda Júnior Francisco Eduardo Aragão , Carneiro Victor Alves
Published: October 2019

The study investigated the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil extract of Ocimum gratissimum L. (EOOG) against multiresistant microorganisms in planktonic and biofilm form. Hydrodistillation was used to obtain the EOOG, and the analysis of chemical composition was done by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and flame ionization detection (GC/FID). EOOG biological activity was verified against isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, using four strains for each species. The antibacterial action of EOOG was determined by disk diffusion, microdilution (MIC/MBC), growth curve under sub-MIC exposure, and the combinatorial activity with ciprofloxacin (CIP) and oxacillin (OXA) were determined by checkerboard assay. The EOOG antibiofilm action was performed against the established biofilm and analyzed by crystal violet, colony-forming unit count, and SEM analyses. EOOG yielded 1.66% w/w, with eugenol as the major component (74.83%). The MIC was 1000 µg/mL for the most tested strains. The growth curve showed a lag phase delay for both species, mainly S. aureus, and reduced the growth level of E. coli by half. The combination of EOOG with OXA and CIP led to an additive action for S. aureus. A significant reduction in biofilm biomass and cell viability was verified for S. aureus and E. coli. In conclusion, EOOG has relevant potential as a natural alternative to treat infections caused by multiresistant strains.
Soft Microwave Pretreatment to Extract P-Hydroxycinnamic Acids from Grass Stalks
Authors: Bichot Aurélie , Lerosty Mickaël , Geirnaert Laureline , Méchin Valérie , Carrère Hélène , Bernet Nicolas , Delgenès Jean-Philippe , García-Bernet Diana
Published: October 2019

The aim of this article is to provide an analysis of microwave effects on ferulic and coumaric acids (FA and CA, respectively) extraction from grass biomass (corn stalks and miscanthus). Microwave pretreatment using various solvents was first compared to conventional heating on corn stalks. Then, microwave operational conditions were extended in terms of incident power and treatment duration. Optimal conditions were chosen to increase p-hydroxycinnamic acids release. Finally, these optimal conditions determined on corn stalks were tested on miscanthus stalks to underlie the substrate incidence on p-hydroxycinnamic acids release yields. The optimal conditions—a treatment duration of 405 s under 1000 W—allowed extracting 1.38% FA and 1.97% CA in corn stalks and 0.58% FA and 3.89% CA in miscanthus stalks. The different bioaccessibility of these two molecules can explain the higher or lower yields between corn and miscanthus stalks.
Prediction of Who Will Be Next Speaker and When Using Mouth-Opening Pattern in Multi-Party Conversation
Authors: Ishii Ryo , Otsuka Kazuhiro , Kumano Shiro , Higashinaka Ryuichiro , Tomita Junji
Published: October 2019

We investigated the mouth-opening transition pattern (MOTP), which represents the change of mouth-opening degree during the end of an utterance, and used it to predict the next speaker and utterance interval between the start time of the next speaker’s utterance and the end time of the current speaker’s utterance in a multi-party conversation. We first collected verbal and nonverbal data that include speech and the degree of mouth opening (closed, narrow-open, wide-open) of participants that were manually annotated in four-person conversation. A key finding of the MOTP analysis is that the current speaker often keeps her mouth narrow-open during turn-keeping and starts to close it after opening it narrowly or continues to open it widely during turn-changing. The next speaker often starts to open her mouth narrowly after closing it during turn-changing. Moreover, when the current speaker starts to close her mouth after opening it narrowly in turn-keeping, the utterance interval tends to be short. In contrast, when the current speaker and the listeners open their mouths narrowly after opening them narrowly and then widely, the utterance interval tends to be long. On the basis of these results, we implemented prediction models of the next-speaker and utterance interval using MOTPs. As a multimodal-feature fusion, we also implemented models using eye-gaze behavior, which is one of the most useful items of information for prediction of next-speaker and utterance interval according to our previous study, in addition to MOTPs. The evaluation result of the models suggests that the MOTPs of the current speaker and listeners are effective for predicting the next speaker and utterance interval in multi-party conversation. Our multimodal-feature fusion model using MOTPs and eye-gaze behavior is more useful for predicting the next speaker and utterance interval than using only one or the other.
Free Sugar Content in Pre-Packaged Products: Does Voluntary Product Reformulation Work in Practice?
Authors: Zupanič Nina , Hribar Maša , Fidler Mis Nataša , Pravst Igor
Published: October 2019

Ultra-processed, pre-packaged foods are becoming a growing part of our diet, while displacing whole and minimally processed foods. This results in an increased intake of free sugar, salt, and saturated fats, that have a profoundly negative effect on health. We aimed to assess the trend in free sugar content in pre-packaged foods in Slovenia and evaluate the efficacy of industry self-regulations designed to combat the excess consumption of free sugar. A nation-wide data collection of the Slovenian food supply was performed in 2015 and repeated in 2017. In 2017, 54.5% of all products (n = 21,115) contained free sugars (median: 0.26 g free sugar/100 g). Soft drinks became the main free sugar source among pre-packaged goods (28% of all free sugar sold on the market) in place of chocolates and sweets, of which relative share decreased by 4.4%. In the categories with the highest free sugar share, market-leading brands were often sweeter than the average free sugar value of the category. This indicates that changes in on-shelf availability towards a greater number of healthier, less sweet products are not necessarily reflected in healthier consumers’ choices. Relying solely on voluntary industrial commitments to reduce free sugar consumption will likely not be sufficient to considerably improve public health. While some further improvements might be expected over the longer term, voluntarily commitments are more successful in increasing the availability of healthier alternatives, rather than improving the nutritional composition of the market-leading products. Additional activities are, therefore, needed to stimulate reformulation of the existing market-leading foods and drinks, and to stimulate the consumption of healthier alternatives.
Combined Omics Reveals That Disruption of the Selenocysteine Lyase Gene Affects Amino Acid Pathways in Mice
Authors: Seale Lucia A. , Khadka Vedbar S. , Menor Mark , Xie Guoxiang , Watanabe Ligia M. , Sasuclark Alexandru , Guirguis Kyrillos , Ha Herena Y. , Hashimoto Ann C. , Peplowska Karolina , Tiirikainen Maarit , Jia Wei , Berry Marla J. , Deng Youping
Published: October 2019

Selenium is a nonmetal trace element that is critical for several redox reactions and utilized to produce the amino acid selenocysteine (Sec), which can be incorporated into selenoproteins. Selenocysteine lyase (SCL) is an enzyme which decomposes Sec into selenide and alanine, releasing the selenide to be further utilized to synthesize new selenoproteins. Disruption of the selenocysteine lyase gene (Scly) in mice (Scly−/− or Scly KO) led to obesity with dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance and lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes. As the liver is a central regulator of glucose and lipid homeostasis, as well as selenium metabolism, we aimed to pinpoint hepatic molecular pathways affected by the Scly gene disruption. Using RNA sequencing and metabolomics, we identified differentially expressed genes and metabolites in the livers of Scly KO mice. Integrated omics revealed that biological pathways related to amino acid metabolism, particularly alanine and glycine metabolism, were affected in the liver by disruption of Scly in mice with selenium adequacy. We further confirmed that hepatic glycine levels are elevated in male, but not in female, Scly KO mice. In conclusion, our results reveal that Scly participates in the modulation of hepatic amino acid metabolic pathways.
Cuscutae Japonicae Semen Ameliorates Memory Dysfunction by Rescuing Synaptic Damage in Alzheimer’s Disease Models
Authors: Ju In Gyoung , Kim Namkwon , Choi Jin Gyu , Lee Jong Kil , Oh Myung Sook
Published: October 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia in the elderly. It is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and progressive cognitive impairment. To alleviate the symptoms of AD, functional foods and nutrients have been used for centuries. In this study, we investigated whether Cuscutae Japonicae Semen (CJS), a medicinal food traditionally used in East Asia, has effects on memory improvement and synapse protection in AD. We orally administered CJS to 5x familiar AD (5xFAD) transgenic mice and performed the Morris water maze test. The results showed that CJS treatment ameliorated the decline of memory function. Then, we demonstrated that CJS attenuated the degeneration of pre- and post-synaptic proteins in the hippocampi of 5xFAD mice. To demonstrate the effects of CJS in vitro, we treated Aβ in primary neuronal culture with CJS and observed that CJS rescued the loss of functional synapses. The protective effects of CJS on the synapse were due to the inhibition of activated caspase-3 expression. Additionally, CJS inhibited the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β and tau proteins, which contribute to synaptic dysfunction. Taken together, our results suggest that CJS is efficient in alleviating memory loss by rescuing caspase-3-mediated synaptic damage in AD treatment.
Hydroxypyridinone-Diamine Hybrids as Potential Neuroprotective Agents in the PC12 Cell-Line Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lohou Elodie , Sasaki N. André , Boullier Agnès , Duplantier Marine , Sonnet Pascal
Published: October 2019

There is an urgent need to propose effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although the origin of the disease is poorly understood, several therapeutic options have been proposed. The new therapeutic approaches targeting biometal-mediated neurodegenerative pathways appear to be interesting ones. As a continuation of our preceding studies, two novel series of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE)/advanced lipid peroxidation endproducts (ALE) inhibitors have been developed as multifunctional scavengers. This extended work allowed us to highlight the new hydroxypyridinone-diamine hybrid IIa-3 bearing a C4 alkyl linker between the two pharmacophores. This derivative exhibited preserved potent capacities to trap reactive carbonyl species (vicinal diamine function) as well as reactive oxygen species and transition metals (hydroxypyridinone moiety) in comparison with previously described lead compound 1. In addition, its good predicted absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties were correlated with a better efficacy to inhibit in vitro methylglyoxal-induced apoptosis in neuronal-like PC12 cells. This new promising agent revealed improved druglikeness and ability to prevent biometal-mediated oxidative and carbonyl stress amplification involved in AD pathogenesis.
Fibrin as a Multipurpose Physiological Platform for Bone Tissue Engineering and Targeted Delivery of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Bujoli Bruno , Scimeca Jean-Claude , Verron Elise
Published: October 2019

Although bone graft is still considered as the gold standard method, bone tissue engineering offers promising alternatives designed to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and to guide bone regeneration process. In this attempt, due to their similarity to the ECM and their low toxicity/immunogenicity properties, growing attention is paid to natural polymers. In particular, considering the early critical role of fracture hematoma for bone healing, fibrin, which constitutes blood clot, is a candidate of choice. Indeed, in addition to its physiological roles in bone healing cascade, fibrin biochemical characteristics make it suitable to be used as a multipurpose platform for bioactive agents’ delivery. Thus, taking advantage of these key assets, researchers and clinicians have the opportunity to develop composite systems that might further improve bone tissue reconstruction, and more generally prevent/treat skeletal disorders.
Chemical, Thermo-Mechanical and Antimicrobial Properties of DBD Plasma Treated Disinfectant-Impregnated Wipes during Storage
Authors: Song Xinyu , Cvelbar Uros , Strazar Petra , Vossebein Lutz , Zille Andrea
Published: October 2019

Disinfectant-impregnated wipes are broadly used in hospitals, as an important approach for infection prevention and control. But their ageing performance has rarely been studied. Untreated and Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma pre-treated wiping materials made of nonwoven 100% polyester (W1), nonwoven 55% cellulose/45% polyester (W2) and woven cotton (W3) were impregnated with a quaternary ammonium compound solution (ADBAC) for 30 min, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days of storage time and characterized in term of chemical, thermo-mechanical and antimicrobial efficacy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis on the plasma-treated polyester wipes demonstrates the incorporation of reactive oxygen species on the fiber surface. Laser scanning microscopy demonstrates the plasma etching effect in smoothing the surface of the cotton wipe reducing the adsorption of ADBAC. The result showed no significant changes in breaking force and elongation during storage for W1 and W2. However, plasma treatment affects W3 in weft direction reducing the force at break in water and ADBAC treated wipes. Dynamic mechanical analysis results show that ADBAC and plasma treatment have a significant influence in W1 and W3 viscoelastic properties improving the elastic response limiting the polymeric chains mobility and the non-elastic response due to the etching effect, respectively. Overall, the plasma pre-treatment of ADBAC-impregnated wipes is able to enhance the antimicrobial performance and the storage time of polyester-containing wipes.