bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Hydrogen-Bonding Assisted Scratch–Healing of Transparent Coatings
Authors: Jucius Dalius , Lazauskas Algirdas , Gudaitis Rimantas
Published: November 2019

The partial cross-linking reaction of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by esterification using poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as a cross-linking agent was performed to obtain a PVA–PAA supramolecular polymer complex. The PVA–PAA coatings with a different molar ratio between hydroxyl and carboxyl groups were prepared to examine scratch–healing ability. These coatings exhibited high optical transparency and excellent scratch–healing properties, which are attributed to considerable amount of free hydroxyl groups at the scratched interfaces to reversibly form multiple hydrogen bonds. Importantly, the PVA–PAA polymer was capable of initiating scratch recovery at temperature of 20 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 40%. Scratches produced on the PVA–PAA polymer coatings with different constant loading in the range of 1.5–2.7 N were healed significantly more rapidly under humid conditions (RH = 99%). Increase of cross-linking temperature also resulted in similar effect but with some reduction of the final scratch healing ratio.
Hair Growth Promotion by Extracts of Inula Helenium and Caesalpinia Sappan Bark in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pre-clinical Study Using Phototrichogram Analysis
Authors: Choi Hyoung Chul , Nam Gae Won , Jeong Noh Hee , Choi Bu Young
Published: November 2019

Inula helenium (IH) is known to possess antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti-helminthic, and anti-proliferation activities. Caesalpinia Sappan (CS) is known to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. Based on their folkloric use, these plants are expected to be promising candidates for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Moreover, these plants are rich sources of certain phytochemicals, which have been reported to promote hair growth. In this clinical trial, we investigate the efficacy of a scalp shampoo formulated by mixing extracts of IH and CS in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Using a phototrichogram (Folliscope 2.8, LeadM, Korea), we compared the hair density and total hair counts in patients receiving the scalp shampoo at baseline, and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks after use of the shampoo. We found a statistically significant increase in the total hair count in the test group (n = 23) after 16 and 24 weeks of using the scalp shampoo (2.17 n/cm2 ± 5.72, p < 0.05; and 4.30 n/cm2 ± 6.37, p < 0.01, respectively) as compared to the control subjects. Based on the results of this clinical study, we conclude that the IH and CS extract complex is a promising remedy for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.
Multi-Step Concanavalin A Phase Separation and Early-Stage Nucleation Monitored Via Dynamic and Depolarized Light Scattering
Authors: Brognaro Hévila , Falke Sven , Nzanzu Mudogo Celestin , Betzel Christian
Published: November 2019

Protein phase separation and protein liquid cluster formation have been observed and analysed in protein crystallization experiments and, in recent years, have been reported more frequently, especially in studies related to membraneless organelles and protein cluster formation in cells. A detailed understanding about the phase separation process preceding liquid dense cluster formation will elucidate what has, so far, been poorly understood—despite intracellular crowding and phase separation being very common processes—and will also provide more insights into the early events of in vitro protein crystallization. In this context, the phase separation and crystallization kinetics of concanavalin A were analysed in detail, which applies simultaneous dynamic light scattering and depolarized dynamic light scattering to obtain insights into metastable intermediate states between the soluble phase and the crystalline form. A multi-step mechanism was identified for ConA phase separation, according to the resultant ACF decay, acquired after an increase in the concentration of the crowding agent until a metastable ConA gel intermediate between the soluble and final crystalline phases was observed. The obtained results also revealed that ConA is trapped in a macromolecular network due to short-range intermolecular protein interactions and is unable to transform back into a non-ergodic solution.
A Novel Substrate-Binding Site in the X-ray Structure of an Oxidized E. coli Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Elucidated by Single-Wavelength Anomalous Dispersion
Authors: Annia Rodríguez-Hernández , Romo-Arévalo Enrique , Rodríguez-Romero Adela
Published: November 2019

Escherichia coli (E. coli), one of the most frequently used host for the expression of recombinant proteins, is often affected by the toxic effect of the exogenous proteins that is required to express. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a multi-functional protein that has been used as a control marker for basal function and it is known to undergo cysteine oxidation under different types of cellular stress. Here, we report the 3D structure of the endogenous GAPDH purified from stressed E. coli cells expressing a eukaryotic protein. The structure was solved at 1.64 Å using single-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) phasing with a selenium-modified enzyme. Interestingly, each GAPDH monomer contains a molecule of glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate in a non-previously identified site. Furthermore, the catalytic Cys149 is covalently attached to a ~300 Da molecule, possibly glutathione. This modification alters the conformation of an adjacent alpha helix in the catalytic domain, right opposite to the NAD+ binding site. The conformation of the alpha helix is stabilized after soaking the crystals with NAD+. These results exemplify the effects that the overexpression of an exogenous protein has over the host proteins and sheds light on the structural changes that large oxidant molecules on the catalytic cysteine produce for the GAPDH enzyme.
Rapid Extraction Method of Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA from Clinical Samples of Suspected Buruli Ulcer Patients
Authors: Frimpong Michael , Ahor Hubert Senanu , Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Agbavor Bernadette , Akowuah Emmanuel , Phillips Richard Odame
Published: November 2019

Isothermal amplification techniques such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for diagnosing Buruli ulcer, a necrotic skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, have renewed hope for the molecular diagnosis of clinically suspected Buruli ulcer cases in endemic districts. If these techniques are applied at district-level hospitals or clinics, they will help facilitate early case detection with prompt treatment, thereby reducing disability and associated costs of disease management. The accuracy as well as the application of these molecular techniques at point of need is dependent on simple and fast DNA extraction. We have modified and tested a rapid extraction protocol for use with an already developed recombinase polymerase amplification assay. The entire procedure from “sample in, extraction and DNA amplification” was conducted in a mobile suitcase laboratory within 40 min. The DNA extraction procedure was performed within 15 min, with only two manipulation/pipetting steps needed. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this extraction protocol together with M. ulcerans RPA in comparison with standard DNA extraction with real-time PCR was 87% (n = 26) and 100% (n = 13), respectively. We have established a simple, fast and efficient protocol for the extraction and detection of M. ulcerans DNA in clinical samples that is adaptable to field conditions.
Sample Entropy Combined with the K-Means Clustering Algorithm Reveals Six Functional Networks of the Brain
Authors: Jia Yanbing , Gu Huaguang
Published: November 2019

Identifying brain regions contained in brain functional networks and functions of brain functional networks is of great significance in understanding the complexity of the human brain. The 160 regions of interest (ROIs) in the human brain determined by the Dosenbach’s template have been divided into six functional networks with different functions. In the present paper, the complexity of the human brain is characterized by the sample entropy (SampEn) of dynamic functional connectivity (FC) which is obtained by analyzing the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquired from healthy participants. The 160 ROIs are clustered into six clusters by applying the K-means clustering algorithm to the SampEn of dynamic FC as well as the static FC which is also obtained by analyzing the resting-state fMRI data. The six clusters obtained from the SampEn of dynamic FC and the static FC show very high overlap and consistency ratios with the six functional networks. Furthermore, for four of six clusters, the overlap ratios corresponding to the SampEn of dynamic FC are larger than that corresponding to the static FC, and for five of six clusters, the consistency ratios corresponding to the SampEn of dynamic FC are larger than that corresponding to the static FC. The results show that the combination of machine learning methods and the FC obtained using the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals can identify the functional networks of the human brain, and nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the FC are more effective than the static characteristics of the FC in identifying brain functional networks and the complexity of the human brain.
A Hybrid Microenergy Storage System for Power Supply of Forest Wireless Sensor Nodes
Authors: Wang Huamei , Li Wenbin , Xu Daochun , Kan Jiangming
Published: November 2019

Wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) are widely used in the field of environmental detection; however, they face serious power supply problems caused by the complexity of the environmental layout. In this study, a new ultra-low-power hybrid energy harvesting (HEH) system for two types of microenergy collection (photovoltaic (PV) and soil-temperature-difference thermoelectric (TE)) was designed to provide stable power to WSNs. The power supply capabilities of two microenergy sources were assessed by analyzing the electrical characteristics and performing continuous energy data collection. The HEH system consisted of two separated power converters and an electronic multiplexer circuit to avoid impedance mismatch and improve efficiency. The feasibility of the self-powered HEH system was verified by consumption analysis of the HEH system, the WSNs, and the data analysis of the collected microenergy. Taking the summation of PV and TEG input power of 1.26 mW (PPV:PTEG was about 3:1) as an example, the power loss of the HEH system accounted for 33.8% of the total input power. Furthermore, the ratio decreased as the value of the input power increased.
Low Cost Autonomous Lock-In Amplifier for Resistance/Capacitance Sensor Measurements
Authors: Maya Paulina , Calvo Belén , Sanz-Pascual María Teresa , Osorio Javier
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the design and experimental characterization of a portable high-precision single-phase lock-in instrument with phase adjustment. The core consists of an analog lock-in amplifier IC prototype, integrated in 0.18 µm CMOS technology with 1.8 V supply, which features programmable gain and operating frequency, resulting in a versatile on-chip solution with power consumption below 834 µW. It incorporates automatic phase alignment of the input and reference signals, performed through both a fixed −90° and a 4-bit digitally programmable phase shifter, specifically designed using commercially available components to operate at 1 kHz frequency. The system is driven by an Arduino YUN board, thus overall conforming a low-cost autonomous signal recovery instrument to determine, in real time, the electrical equivalent of resistive and capacitive sensors with a sensitivity of 16.3 µV/Ω @ εrS < 3% and 37 kV/F @ εrS < 5%, respectively.
Human Endometrial Microbiota at Term of Normal Pregnancies
Authors: Leoni Claudia , Ceci Oronzo , Manzari Caterina , Fosso Bruno , Volpicella Mariateresa , Ferrari Alessandra , Fiorella Paola , Pesole Graziano , Cicinelli Ettore , Ceci Luigi Ruggiero
Published: November 2019

The endometrium is a challenging site for metagenomic analysis due to difficulties in obtaining uncontaminated samples and the limited abundance of the bacterial population. Indeed, solid correlations between endometrial physio-pathologic conditions and bacteria compositions have not yet been firmly established. Nevertheless, the study of the endometrial microbiota is of great interest due to the close correlations between microbiota profiles, women’s health, and successful pregnancies. In this study, we decided to tackle the study of the endometrial microbiota through analysis of bacterial population in women subjected to elective caesarean delivery. As a pilot study, a cohort of 19 Caucasian women at full term of normal pregnancy and with a prospection of elective caesarean delivery was enrolled for endometrium sampling at the time of caesarean section. Sampling was carried out by endometrial biopsy soon after the delivery of the newborn and the discharge of the placenta and fetal membranes from the uterus. Bacterial composition was established by a deep metabarcoding next generation sequencing (NGS) procedure addressing the V5–V6 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. Amplicon sequences were analysed by bioinformatic procedures for denoising and taxonomic classification. The RDP database was used as 16S rRNA reference collection. Metabarcoding analysis showed the presence of a common bacterial composition, including six genera classifiable within the human microbiota (Cutibacterium, Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium), that could be part of the core endometrial microbiota under the specific conditions examined. These results can provide useful information for future studies on the correlations between bacteria and successful pregnancies.
Results from Lithuania’s 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Authors: Sukys Saulius , Emeljanovas Arunas , Gruodyte-Raciene Rita , Mieziene Brigita , Trinkuniene Laima , Rutkauskaite Renata , Tremblay Mark
Published: November 2019

The Global Matrix 3.0 “Report Card” assessment of physical activity was developed to achieve a better understanding of the global variability in child and youth physical activity. Lithuania joined the Global Matrix 3.0. The aim of this article is to summarize the results of the first Lithuanian Report Card, which included 10 indicators, as representative of individual behaviors, sources, and settings of influence indicators, and a health-related characteristic. The grades for each indicator were based on the best available Lithuanian data. The findings showed poor Overall Physical Activity, Active Transportation (C−), and Family and Peers (D). Sedentary behavior was graded C−, and Organized Sport Participation, Community and Environment, and Government were graded C. Physical Fitness and School indicators received the highest grade (C+). The first Lithuanian Report Card on Physical Activity of Children and Youth shows that Lithuanian children and youth have less than satisfactory levels of organized physical activity, active transportation to and from school, community and built environments, and government strategies and investments. The low levels of support from family and peers require more attention from health promoters. There is a gap in the evidence about active play that should be addressed by researchers and policy makers.
Associated Factors of Hypertension in Women and Men in Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Quoc Cuong Tran , Van Bao Le , Anh Tuan Nguyen , Van Thang Vo , Minh Quan Nguyen , Yang Shwu-Huey , Duong Tuyen Van
Published: November 2019

Background: Hypertension is a direct cardiovascular disease risk. It causes a heavy burden on the healthcare system globally. We aim to assess hypertension occurrence and its associated factors among women and men in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2019 on 2203 community-dwelling women and men aged 18 years or above. Participants’ characteristics, comorbidity, behaviors, and physical measures were evaluated. Hypertension was classified as systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or using antihypertensive medication. We analyzed data using logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 24.3% (20.9% in women, 29.1% in men). For women, older age (odds ratio, OR, 6.80–12.41; p < 0.001), income above the poverty line (OR, 0.64; p = 0.008), diabetes comorbid (OR, 2.98; p < 0.001), added salts consumption (OR, 1.80; p < 0.001), overweight/obesity (OR, 1.64; p = 0.005), abdominal obesity (OR, 2.07; p < 0.001) were associated with hypertension. For men, older age (OR, 2.67–5.92; p < 0.001), diabetes comorbid (OR, 2.25; p = 0.010), smoking (OR, 1.38; p = 0.046), and overweight/obesity (OR, 2.18; p < 0.001) were associated with hypertension. Conclusions: Hypertension is prevalent in Vietnamese people. The associated factors of hypertension are varied by gender.
Prevalence of Frailty and its Association with Cognitive Status and Functional Fitness among Ambulating Older Adults Residing in Institutions within West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Murukesu Resshaya Roobini , Singh Devinder Kaur Ajit , Subramaniam Ponnusamy , Tan Xee Vern , Mohamd Izhar Ibtisam Arfah , Ponvel Pavapriya , Mohd Rasdi Hanif Farhan
Published: November 2019

Aim: There is limited information about the association between frailty, cognitive status and functional fitness in older adults living in institutions. We aimed to determine the prevalence of frailty and its association with cognitive status and functional fitness among pre-frail and frail Malaysian older adults residing in institutions on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: This study included 302 ambulating Malaysian institutionalised older adults. Frailty was identified using Fried’s frailty criteria. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination and Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination. Functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness test. The association between frailty groups, cognitive status and functional fitness was analysed using binary logistic regression. Results: Prevalence of frailty, prefrailty and robustness in the older adults was 56.6%, 40.7% and 2.9%, respectively. Frailty was found to be associated with hypertension (OR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.11–4.16, p = 0.024), lower cognitive status (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination) (OR 0.98, 95% C.I: 0.96–0.99, p = 0.038), and lower dynamic balance and mobility (Timed Up and Go test) (OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16, p = 0.024). Conclusion: Frailty is highly prevalent among Malaysian institutionalised older adults. Hypertension, cognitive impairment and lower dynamic balance and mobility were found to be risk factors of frailty. Screening of frailty and its associated factors should be prioritized among institutionalised older adults in view of early prevention and rehabilitation.
Trip Extraction of Shared Electric Bikes Based on Multi-Rule-Constrained Homomorphic Linear Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Cheng Xiaoqian , Li Chengming , Du Weibing , Shen Jianming , Dai Zhaoxin
Published: November 2019

Trajectory data include rich interactive information of humans. The correct identification of trips is the key to trajectory data mining and its application. A new method, multi-rule-constrained homomorphic linear clustering (MCHLC), is proposed to extract trips from raw trajectory data. From the perspective of the workflow, the MCHLC algorithm consists of three parts. The first part is to form the original sub-trajectory moving/stopping clusters, which are obtained by sequentially clustering trajectory elements of the same motion status. The second part is to determine and revise the motion status of the original sub-trajectory clusters by the speed, time duration, directional constraint, and contextual constraint to construct the stop/move model. The third part is to extract users’ trips by filtering the stop/move model using the following rules: distance rule, average speed rule, shortest path rule, and completeness rule, which are related to daily riding experiences. Verification of the new method is carried out with the shared electric bike trajectory data of one week in Tengzhou city, evaluated by three indexes (precision, recall, and F1-score). The experiment shows that the index values of the new algorithm are higher (above 93%) than those of the baseline methods, indicating that the new algorithm is better. Compared to the baseline velocity sequence linear clustering (VSLC) algorithm, the performance of the new algorithm is improved by approximately 10%, mainly owing to two factors, directional constraint and contextual constraint. The better experimental results indicate that the new algorithm is suitable to extract trips from the sparse trajectories of shared e-bikes and other transportation forms, which can provide technical support for urban hotspot detection and hot route identification.
Non-Temporal Point Cloud Analysis for Surface Damage in Civil Structures
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Ebrahim , Wood Richard L. , Wittich Christine E.
Published: November 2019

Assessment and evaluation of damage in civil infrastructure is most often conducted visually, despite its subjectivity and qualitative nature in locating and verifying damaged areas. This study aims to present a new workflow to analyze non-temporal point clouds to objectively identify surface damage, defects, cracks, and other anomalies based solely on geometric surface descriptors that are irrespective of point clouds’ underlying geometry. Non-temporal, in this case, refers to a single dataset, which is not relying on a change detection approach. The developed method utilizes vertex normal, surface variation, and curvature as three distinct surface descriptors to locate the likely damaged areas. Two synthetic datasets with planar and cylindrical geometries with known ground truth damage were created and used to test the developed workflow. In addition, the developed method was further validated on three real-world point cloud datasets using lidar and structure-from-motion techniques, which represented different underlying geometries and exhibited varying severity and mechanisms of damage. The analysis of the synthetic datasets demonstrated the robustness of the proposed damage detection method to classify vertices as surface damage with high recall and precision rates and a low false-positive rate. The real-world datasets illustrated the scalability of the damage detection method and its ability to classify areas as damaged and undamaged at the centimeter level. Moreover, the output classification of the damage detection method automatically bins the damaged vertices into different confidence intervals for further classification of detected likely damaged areas. Moving forward, the presented workflow can be used to bolster structural inspections by reducing subjectivity, enhancing reliability, and improving quantification in surface-evident damage.
Using Cartographic Documents to Provide Geoinformation on the Rights to Real Estate—Taking Poland as an Example
Authors: Ogryzek Marek , Klimach Anna , Niekurzak Dominik , Pietkiewicz Michał
Published: November 2019

The current and planned EU regulations concerning INSPIRE have forced the Member States to develop national geoportals. The aim of creating geospatial data infrastructure was to unify the exchange of data at a national level, and consequently to create the INSPIRE geoportal by the Community Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC), which is to be the center of the European network of geospatial data infrastructure. New opportunities and new solutions to the problems have emerged through the use of thematic layers. The rights to the land each have potential restrictions on its use, and these rights can sometimes prevent the land from being used for its intended purpose. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the possibility of developing maps showing the utility networks and the right to the land acquired by the utility company. The authors carried out a SWOT analysis of the systemic use of cartographic documents as a way of disclosing the rights to real estate in order to set up utility networks in Poland. The authors examined the impact of this solution on future property owners (investors) to provide them with full knowledge about a given area of real estate. Remote sensing methods may be useful for the disclosure of rights on maps of technical infrastructure, because currently there is no such information in the systems. The developed solution should be used by both local and national geoportals.
Simulation of a Radial Pump Fast Startup and Analysis of the Loop Response Using a Transient 1D Mean Stream Line Based Model
Authors: Matteo Laura , Mauger Gédéon , Dazin Antoine , Tauveron Nicolas
Published: November 2019

A predictive transient two-phase flow rotodynamic pump model has been developed in the Code for Analysis of THermalhydraulics during an Accident of Reactor and safety Evaluation (CATHARE-3). Flow inside parts of the pump (suction, impeller, diffuser and volute) is computed according to a one-dimensional discretisation following a mean flow path. Transient governing equations of the model are solved using an implicit resolution method and integrated along the curvilinear abscissa of the element. This model has been previously qualified at the component scale by comparison to an existing experimental database. The present study aims at extending the validation at the system scale: a whole experimental test loop is modelled. The ability of the transient pump model to predict flow rate, head and torque as a function of time during a 1-s pump fast start-up is evaluated. The transient evolution of the pressure upstream and downstream from the centrifugal pump is well predicted by the simulation compared to the measurements. Local quantities such as pressure and velocity inside elements of the circuit are analysed. In the considered case, inertial effects of the global circuit are dominant when compared to pump inertial effects due to the high characteristic lengths of the pipes. The main perspective of this work consists in the simulation of similar pump transients, in cavitating conditions.
Life on the Edge: Ecological Genetics of a High Arctic Insect Species and Its Circumpolar Counterpart
Authors: Simon Jean-Christophe , Mahéo Frédérique , Mieuzet Lucie , Buchard Christelle , Gauthier Jean-Pierre , Maurice Damien , Bonhomme Joël , Outreman Yannick , Hullé Maurice
Published: November 2019

Arctic ecosystems are subjected to strong environmental constraints that prevent both the colonization and development of many organisms. In Svalbard, few aphid species have established permanent populations. These high arctic aphid species have developed peculiar life-history traits such as shortened life cycles and reduced dispersal capacities. Here, we present data on the distribution and population genetics of Acyrthosiphon svalbardicum in Spitsbergen, the main island of the Svalbard archipelago, and compared its genetic structure with that of its close relative Acyrthosiphon brevicorne, sampled in the top of Scandinavian mainland. We found that A. svalbardicum is common but heterogeneously distributed along the west coast of Spitsbergen. We recorded this species up to 79°12’, which constitutes the northernmost location for any aphid. Genetic structure examined using microsatellite markers showed more pronounced spatial differentiation in A. svalbardicum than in A. brevicorne populations, presumably due to reduced dispersal capacities in the former species. Although populations of A. brevicorne and A. svalbardicum were well-delineated at nuclear loci, they shared similar cytoplasmic DNA haplotypes as revealed by sequence analysis of two DNA barcodes. These results raise questions about whether these two taxa are different species, and the colonization sources and history of the Svalbard archipelago by A. svalbardicum.
Characterization of Agricultural and Food Processing Residues for Potential Rubber Filler Applications
Authors: Barrera Cindy S. , Cornish Katrina
Published: November 2019

Large volumes of agricultural and food processing residues are generated daily around the world. Despite the various potential uses reported for this biomass, most are still treated as waste that requires disposal and negatively impacts the environmental footprint of the primary production process. Increasing attention has been paid toward the use of these residues as alternative fillers for rubber and other large-scale commodity polymers to reduce dependence on petroleum. Nevertheless, characterization of these alternative fillers is required to define compatibility with the specific polymer, identify filler limitations, understand the properties of the resulting composites, and modify the materials to enable the engineering of composites to exploit all the potential advantages of these residue-derived fillers.
Glutamic Acid Increased Methotrexate Polyglutamation and Cytotoxicity in a CCRF-SB Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Line
Authors: Mendoza-Santiago Alma , Becerra Edgardo , Garay Edith , Bah Moustapha , Berumen-Segura Laura , Escobar-Cabrera Jesica , Hernández-Pérez Abigail , García-Alcocer Guadalupe
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of cancer in childhood. The majority of patients respond to treatment, but those with resistant phenotypes suffer relapse or death. The antifolate methotrexate (MTX) is the most commonly used drug against ALL due to its efficacy. Once inside leukemic cells, MTX is metabolized into methotrexate polyglutamates (MTX-PG) by action of the enzyme folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS), leading to a longer action compared to that of MTX alone. Materials and Methods: In this work, we demonstrated that the combination treatment of methotrexate and 5 and 10 mM glutamic acid could enhance methotrexate cytotoxicity in CCRF-SB (B-ALL) cells. In addition, MTX plus 20 mM glutamic acid was able to improve the synthesis of MTX-PG5. Results: All treatments induced an increase in FPGS expression compared to that of the control group. Furthermore, we detected different cellular expression patterns of FPGS in the different treatments. Conclusion: Based on these findings, we demonstrated that levels of methotrexate polyglutamates (MTX-PGs) could be a key determinant of methotrexate-induced cytotoxicity in CCRF-SB acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.
A Comparative Investigation on Conventional and Stationary Shoulder Friction Stir Welding of Al-7075 Butt-Lap Structure
Authors: Chen Yu , Li Huaying , Wang Xiaoyu , Ding Hua , Zhang Fenghe
Published: November 2019

Both conventional friction stir welding (C-FSW) and stationary shoulder friction stir welding (S-FSW) were employed to join the Al-7075 butt-lap structure, then the microstructural evolution and mechanical characterization of all FSW joints were systematically studied. The C-FSW joint exhibited a rough surface with flashes and arc corrugations, while the surface of the S-FSW joint became smooth. Moreover, for the S-FSW joint, the shoulder-affected zone got eliminated and the material flow mode during FSW was changed owning to the application of stationary shoulder. Furthermore, in comparison to C-FSW, the lower welding heat input of S-FSW decreased the average grain size in the nugget zone and inhibited the coarsening of strengthening precipitates in the heat-affected zone, elevating the overall hardness for the S-FSW joint. In addition, the tensile strength of the S-FSW joint became higher compared to the C-FSW joint, and all the FSW joints failed inside the nugget zone attributing to the existence of hook defect. The sharp-angled hook defect deteriorated the plasticity of the C-FSW joint further, which was only 70% that of the S-FSW joint.
Untargeted Metabolomics-Based Screening Method for Inborn Errors of Metabolism using Semi-Automatic Sample Preparation with an UHPLC- Orbitrap-MS Platform
Authors: Bonte Ramon , Bongaerts Michiel , Demirdas Serwet , Langendonk Janneke G. , Huidekoper Hidde H. , Williams Monique , Onkenhout Willem , Jacobs Edwin H. , Blom Henk J. , Ruijter George J. G.
Published: November 2019

Routine diagnostic screening of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) is currently performed by different targeted analyses of known biomarkers. This approach is time-consuming, targets a limited number of biomarkers and will not identify new biomarkers. Untargeted metabolomics generates a global metabolic phenotype and has the potential to overcome these issues. We describe a novel, single platform, untargeted metabolomics method for screening IEM, combining semi-automatic sample preparation with pentafluorophenylpropyl phase (PFPP)-based UHPLC- Orbitrap-MS. We evaluated analytical performance and diagnostic capability of the method by analysing plasma samples of 260 controls and 53 patients with 33 distinct IEM. Analytical reproducibility was excellent, with peak area variation coefficients below 20% for the majority of the metabolites. We illustrate that PFPP-based chromatography enhances identification of isomeric compounds. Ranked z-score plots of metabolites annotated in IEM samples were reviewed by two laboratory specialists experienced in biochemical genetics, resulting in the correct diagnosis in 90% of cases. Thus, our untargeted metabolomics platform is robust and differentiates metabolite patterns of different IEMs from those of controls. We envision that the current approach to diagnose IEM, using numerous tests, will eventually be replaced by untargeted metabolomics methods, which also have the potential to discover novel biomarkers and assist in interpretation of genetic data.
Recent Advances in MEMS-Based Microthrusters
Authors: Liu Bendong , Li Xinrui , Yang Jiahui , Gao Guohua
Published: November 2019

With the development of micro/nano satellites and formation flying, more advanced spatial propulsion technology is required. In this paper, a review of microthrusters developments that based on micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology adopted in microthrusters is summarized. The microthrusters in previous research are classified and summarized according to the types of propellants and the working principles they utilized. The structure and the performance including the thrust, the impulse and the specific impulse of various microthrusters are compared. In addition, the advantages and the disadvantages of these microthrusters presented in the paper are discussed.
Characterization of Non-O157 STEC Infecting Bacteriophages Isolated from Cattle Faeces in North-West South Africa
Authors: Bumunang Emmanuel W. , McAllister Tim A. , Stanford Kim , Anany Hany , Niu Yan D. , Ateba Collins N.
Published: November 2019

Non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) E. coli are emerging pathotypes that are frequently associated with diseases in humans around the world. The consequences of these serogroups for public health is a concern given the lack of effective prevention and treatment measures. In this study, ten bacteriophages (phages; SA20RB, SA79RD, SA126VB, SA30RD, SA32RD, SA35RD, SA21RB, SA80RD, SA12KD and SA91KD) isolated from cattle faeces collected in the North-West of South Africa were characterized. Activity of these phages against non-O157 STEC isolates served as hosts for these phages. All of the phages except SA80RD displayed lytic against non-O157 E. coli isolates. Of 22 non-O157 E. coli isolates, 14 were sensitive to 9 of the 10 phages tested. Phage SA35RD was able to lyse 13 isolates representing a diverse group of non-O157 E. coli serotypes including a novel O-antigen Shiga toxigenic (wzx-Onovel5:H19) strain. However, non-O157 E. coli serotypes O76:H34, O99:H9, O129:H23 and O136:H30 were insensitive to all phages. Based on transmission electron microscopy, the non-O157 STEC phages were placed into Myoviridae (n = 5) and Siphoviridae (n = 5). Genome of the phage ranged from 44 to 184.3 kb. All but three phages (SA91KD, SA80RD and SA126VB) were insensitive to EcoRI-HF and HindIII nucleases. This is the first study illustrating that cattle from North-West South Africa harbour phages with lytic potentials that could potentially be exploited for biocontrol against a diverse group of non-O157 STEC isolated from the same region.
Interactions Screenings Unearth Potential New Divisome Components in the Chlamydia-Related Bacterium, Waddlia chondrophila
Authors: Bayramova Firuza , Jacquier Nicolas , Greub Gilbert
Published: November 2019

Chlamydiales order members are obligate intracellular bacteria, dividing by binary fission. However, Chlamydiales lack the otherwise conserved homologue of the bacterial division organizer FtsZ and certain division protein homologues. FtsZ might be functionally replaced in Chlamydiales by the actin homologue MreB. RodZ, the membrane anchor of MreB, localizes early at the division septum. In order to better characterize the organization of the chlamydial divisome, we performed co-immunoprecipitations and yeast-two hybrid assays to study the interactome of RodZ, using Waddlia chondrophila, a potentially pathogenic Chlamydia-related bacterium, as a model organism. Three potential interactors were further investigated: SecA, FtsH, and SufD. The gene and protein expression profiles of these three genes were measured and are comparable with recently described division proteins. Moreover, SecA, FtsH, and SufD all showed a peripheral localization, consistent with putative inner membrane localization and interaction with RodZ. Notably, heterologous overexpression of the abovementioned proteins could not complement E. coli mutants, indicating that these proteins might play different functions in these two bacteria or that important regulators are not conserved. Altogether, this study brings new insights to the composition of the chlamydial divisome and points to links between protein secretion, degradation, iron homeostasis, and chlamydial division.
Garnets from Val d’Ala Rodingites, Piedmont, Italy: An Investigation of Their Gemological, Spectroscopic and Crystal Chemical Properties
Authors: Diella Valeria , Bocchio Rosangela , Marinoni Nicoletta , Caucia Franca , Spalla Maria Iole , Adamo Ilaria , Langone Antonio , Mancini Lucia
Published: November 2019

In Val d’Ala (Piedmont, Western Alps, Italy), the more interesting rocks for the mineralogical research are represented by rodingites (rich in mineralized veins and fractures) associated with serpentinites in the eclogitized oceanic crust of Piemonte Zone, south of Gran Paradiso Massif. Among the vein-filling minerals, garnets are the most appreciated as mineral specimens and, in less degree despite their vivid and rich colors, for their potential as gem-quality materials. This study provides a complete gemological characterization of five faceted samples and offers new information by means of Synchrotron X-ray computed micro-tomography imaging gem features. Electron-probe microanalysis (EMPA) and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) established that the chemical composition of garnets from different localities, resulted both close to pure andradite, enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) with a positive Eu anomaly, and grossular-andradite solid solution (grandite), enriched in heavy rare earth elements (HREE). X-ray powder diffraction analyses indicate the possible coexistence of almost pure grossular and andradite. A spectroscopic approach, commonly used with gem-like material, by Raman and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, completes the characterization of the samples. The new data on the textural and geochemical features of the grandite and andradite garnets suggest local growth processes under various chemical and oxidation conditions of metasomatic and metamorphic fluids interacting with the host-rocks. Garnets represent long-lasting mineral records of the complex geological history of the Val d’Ala rodingitic dikes during their oceanic- and subduction-related metamorphic evolution.
Copper Minerals at Vesuvius Volcano (Southern Italy): A Mineralogical Review
Authors: Balassone Giuseppina , Petti Carmela , Mondillo Nicola , Panikorovskii Taras L. , de Gennaro Roberto , Cappelletti Piergiulio , Altomare Angela , Corriero Nicola , Cangiano Maria , D’Orazio Loredana
Published: November 2019

This work is part of a project focused on the Somma–Vesuvius volcano and aimed at identifying Cu minerals related to mineralizing processes associated with magmatic activity in an active magmatic-hydrothermal system. A mineralogical survey was carried out on a set of samples represented by sublimates and fumarolic products from the collection of the Mineralogical Museum of the University of Naples Federico II (Italy). These samples are mainly related to most recent eruptive episodes of Vesuvius activity, from 1631 onward. Copper-bearing minerals were characterized, as well as associated minerals, by X-ray diffraction (XRD) scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). An investigation on the structural complexity of Cu-mineral assemblages with different temperature formations was also carried out using the TOPOS software package. The main copper phases are sulfates, followed by vanadates, hydroxyhalides, oxides, carbonates, silicates and finally, phosphates. New mineral occurrences for Vesuvius, both Cu-bearing and Cu-free, are described. Nevertheless, the fumarolic/alteration minerals at Vesuvius cannot be considered of economic relevance as a copper reservoir, this type of mineralizations are significant for copper crystal chemistry and for the knowledge of the mineralogical variants. The obtained datasets can be of interest for the knowledge of volcanic byproducts of copper ore deposits (i.e., porphyry copper systems) and of (base) metal segregation processes.
Development of Targeted Alpha Particle Therapy for Solid Tumors
Authors: Tafreshi Narges K. , Doligalski Michael L. , Tichacek Christopher J. , Pandya Darpan N. , Budzevich Mikalai M. , El-Haddad Ghassan , Khushalani Nikhil I. , Moros Eduardo G. , McLaughlin Mark L. , Wadas Thaddeus J. , Morse David L.
Published: November 2019

Targeted alpha-particle therapy (TAT) aims to selectively deliver radionuclides emitting α-particles (cytotoxic payload) to tumors by chelation to monoclonal antibodies, peptides or small molecules that recognize tumor-associated antigens or cell-surface receptors. Because of the high linear energy transfer (LET) and short range of alpha (α) particles in tissue, cancer cells can be significantly damaged while causing minimal toxicity to surrounding healthy cells. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of TAT in the treatment of metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the current consensus regarding the properties of the α-particle-emitting radionuclides that are potentially relevant for use in the clinic; the TAT-mediated mechanisms responsible for cell death; the different classes of targeting moieties and radiometal chelators available for TAT development; current approaches to calculating radiation dosimetry for TATs; and lead optimization via medicinal chemistry to improve the TAT radiopharmaceutical properties. We have also summarized the use of TATs in pre-clinical and clinical studies to date.
Antimicrobial Activity of Chamomile Essential Oil: Effect of Different Formulations
Authors: Das Sourav , Horváth Barbara , Šafranko Silvija , Jokić Stela , Széchenyi Aleksandar , Kőszegi Tamás
Published: November 2019

Essential oils (EOs) are highly lipophilic, which makes the measurement of their biological action difficult in an aqueous environment. We formulated a Pickering nanoemulsion of chamomile EO (CPe). Surface-modified Stöber silica nanoparticles (20 nm) were prepared and used as a stabilizing agent of CPe. The antimicrobial activity of CPe was compared with that of emulsion stabilized with Tween 80 (CT80) and ethanolic solution (CEt). The antimicrobial effects were assessed by their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) and minimum effective (MEC10) concentrations. Besides growth inhibition (CFU/mL), the metabolic activity and viability of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as Candida species, in addition to the generation of oxygen free radical species (ROS), were studied. We followed the killing activity of CPe and analyzed the efficiency of the EO delivery for examined formulations by using unilamellar liposomes as a cellular model. CPe showed significantly higher antibacterial and antifungal activities than CT80 and CEt. Chamomile EOs generated superoxide anion and peroxide related oxidative stress which might be the major mode of action of Ch essential oil. We could also demonstrate that CPe was the most effective in donation of the active EO components when compared with CT80 and CEt. Our data suggest that CPe formulation is useful in the fight against microbial infections.
Synthesis of a Zinc Oxide Nanoflower Photocatalyst from Sea Buckthorn Fruit for Degradation of Industrial Dyes in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Rupa Esrat Jahan , Kaliraj Lalitha , Abid Suleman , Yang Deok-Chun , Jung Seok-Kyu
Published: November 2019

Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles has attracted research attention as a sustainable method of avoiding the destructive effect of chemicals. We synthesized a flower-shaped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoflower (NF) from sea buckthorn fruit (SBT) by co-precipitation and characterized it using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photo electronic microscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The ability of the ZnO/NF to degrade cationic and anionic dyes, including malachite green (MG), Congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), and eosin Y (EY), under ultraviolet illumination was studied. The photocatalyst degraded approximately 99% of the MG, MB, CR and EY dyes within 70, 70, 80, and 90 min of contact time, respectively, at a dye concentration of 15 mg/L, 5 mg/L, SBT-ZnO/NF degraded 100% of the MG, MB, CR and EY dyes within 23, 25, 28, and 30 min, respectively. The results indicate that SBT-ZnO/NFs as synthesized is an inexpensive, non-toxic, rapid, and reusable photocatalyst that can play an enhanced role in wastewater treatment.
Genetic Diversity among Pseudorabies Viruses Isolated from Dogs in France from 2006 to 2018
Authors: Deblanc Céline , Oger Aurélie , Simon Gaëlle , Le Potier Marie-Frédérique
Published: November 2019

Pseudorabies (PR), also known as Aujeszky’s disease, is an economically important disease for the pig industry. It has been eradicated in domestic pigs in many European countries, including France, but its causative agent—Suid Herpesvirus 1—is still circulating in wild boars. The risk of endemic PR in wild fauna lies in reintroducing the virus among domestic pigs and transmitting it to other mammals, especially hunting dogs for which the disease is rapidly fatal. As such infections are regularly reported in France, this study genetically characterized canine PR virus strains in the country to obtain information on their diversity and evolution. Partial sequencing of the glycoprotein C-encoding gene from 55 virus strains isolated from dogs between 2006 and 2018 showed that 14 strains belonged to genotype I-clade A and another 38 to genotype I-clade B, two clades usually reported in Western Europe. More surprisingly, three strains were found to belong to genotype II, suggesting an Asian origin. Genotype I-clade A strains exhibited the highest diversity as five geographically segregated genogroups were identified.