bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Flavoproteome of the Model Plant Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Schall Patrick , Marutschke Lucas , Grimm Bernhard
Published: July 2020

Flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) are essential cofactors for enzymes, which catalyze a broad spectrum of vital reactions. This paper intends to compile all potential FAD/FMN-binding proteins encoded by the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana. Several computational approaches were applied to group the entire flavoproteome according to (i) different catalytic reactions in enzyme classes, (ii) the localization in subcellular compartments, (iii) different protein families and subclasses, and (iv) their classification to structural properties. Subsequently, the physiological significance of several of the larger flavoprotein families was highlighted. It is conclusive that plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, use many flavoenzymes for plant-specific and pivotal metabolic activities during development and for signal transduction pathways in response to biotic and abiotic stress. Thereby, often two up to several homologous genes are found encoding proteins with high protein similarity. It is proposed that these gene families for flavoproteins reflect presumably their need for differential transcriptional control or the expression of similar proteins with modified flavin-binding properties or catalytic activities.
Life and Death of Fungal Transporters under the Challenge of Polarity
Authors: Dimou Sofia , Diallinas George
Published: July 2020

Eukaryotic plasma membrane (PM) transporters face critical challenges that are not widely present in prokaryotes. The two most important issues are proper subcellular traffic and targeting to the PM, and regulated endocytosis in response to physiological, developmental, or stress signals. Sorting of transporters from their site of synthesis, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), to the PM has been long thought, but not formally shown, to occur via the conventional Golgi-dependent vesicular secretory pathway. Endocytosis of specific eukaryotic transporters has been studied more systematically and shown to involve ubiquitination, internalization, and sorting to early endosomes, followed by turnover in the multivesicular bodies (MVB)/lysosomes/vacuole system. In specific cases, internalized transporters have been shown to recycle back to the PM. However, the mechanisms of transporter forward trafficking and turnover have been overturned recently through systematic work in the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans. In this review, we present evidence that shows that transporter traffic to the PM takes place through Golgi bypass and transporter endocytosis operates via a mechanism that is distinct from that of recycling membrane cargoes essential for fungal growth. We discuss these findings in relation to adaptation to challenges imposed by cell polarity in fungi as well as in other eukaryotes and provide a rationale of why transporters and possibly other housekeeping membrane proteins ‘avoid’ routes of polar trafficking.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induction by Aberrant NRF2 Activation-Mediated Transcription Networks: Interaction of NRF2-KEAP1 Controls the Fate of Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Haque Effi , Karim M. Rezaul , Salam Teeli Aamir , Śmiech Magdalena , Leszczynski Paweł , Winiarczyk Dawid , Parvanov Emil D. , Atanasov Atanas G. , Taniguchi Hiroaki
Published: July 2020

NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a basic leucine zipper transcription factor, a master regulator of redox homeostasis regulating a variety of genes for antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. NRF2 was, therefore, initially thought to protect the liver from oxidative stress. Recent studies, however, have revealed that mutations in NRF2 cause aberrant accumulation of NRF2 in the nucleus and exert the upregulation of NRF2 target genes. Moreover, among all molecular changes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), NRF2 activation has been revealed as a more prominent pathway contributing to the progression of precancerous lesions to malignancy. Nevertheless, how its activation leads to poor prognosis in HCC patients remains unclear. In this review, we provide an overview of how aberrant activation of NRF2 triggers HCC development. We also summarize the emerging roles of other NRF family members in liver cancer development.
A Rapid, Simple, Inexpensive, and Mobile Colorimetric Assay COVID-19-LAMP for Mass On-Site Screening of COVID-19
Authors: Chow Franklin Wang-Ngai , Chan Tony Tat-Yin , Tam Anthony Raymond , Zhao Suhui , Yao Weiming , Fung Joshua , Cheng Flora Ka-Kei , Lo George Chi-Shing , Chu Stella , Aw-Yong Kam Leng , Tang James Yat-Man , Tsang Chi-Ching , Luk Hayes Kam-Hei , Wong Antonio Cheuk-Pui , Li Kenneth Sze-Ming , Zhu Longchao , He Zirong , Tam Emily Wan Ting , Chung Tom Wai-Hin , Wong Sally Cheuk Ying , Que Tak-Lun , Fung Kitty Sau-Chun , Lung David Christopher , Wu Alan Ka-Lun , Hung Ivan Fan-Ngai , Woo Patrick Chiu-Yat , Lau Susanna Kar-Pui
Published: July 2020

To control the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent its resurgence in areas preparing for a return of economic activities, a method for a rapid, simple, and inexpensive point-of-care diagnosis and mass screening is urgently needed. We developed and evaluated a one-step colorimetric reverse-transcriptional loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (COVID-19-LAMP) for detection of SARS-CoV-2, using SARS-CoV-2 isolate and respiratory samples from patients with COVID-19 (n = 223) and other respiratory virus infections (n = 143). The assay involves simple equipment and techniques and low cost, without the need for expensive qPCR machines, and the result, indicated by color change, is easily interpreted by naked eyes. COVID-19-LAMP can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA with detection limit of 42 copies/reaction. Of 223 respiratory samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 by qRT-PCR, 212 and 219 were positive by COVID-19-LAMP at 60 and 90 min (sensitivities of 95.07% and 98.21%) respectively, with the highest sensitivities among nasopharyngeal swabs (96.88% and 98.96%), compared to sputum/deep throat saliva samples (94.03% and 97.02%), and throat swab samples (93.33% and 98.33%). None of the 143 samples with other respiratory viruses were positive by COVID-19-LAMP, showing 100% specificity. Samples with higher viral load showed shorter detection time, some as early as 30 min. This inexpensive, highly sensitive and specific COVID-19-LAMP assay can be useful for rapid deployment as mobile diagnostic units to resource-limiting areas for point-of-care diagnosis, and for unlimited high-throughput mass screening at borders to reduce cross-regional transmission.
NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Inflammation in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Ferrero-Andrés Ana , Panisello-Roselló Arnau , Roselló-Catafau Joan , Folch-Puy Emma
Published: July 2020

The discovery of inflammasomes has enriched our knowledge in the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory diseases. The NLR pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) has emerged as the most versatile and well-characterized inflammasome, consisting of an intracellular multi-protein complex that acts as a central driver of inflammation. Its activation depends on a tightly regulated two-step process, which includes a wide variety of unrelated stimuli. It is therefore not surprising that the specific regulatory mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation remain unclear. Inflammasome-mediated inflammation has become increasingly important in acute pancreatitis, an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas that is one of the fatal diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This review presents an update on the progress of research into the contribution of the NLRP3 inflammasome to acute pancreatic injury, examining the mechanisms of NLRP3 activation by multiple signaling events, the downstream interleukin 1 family of cytokines involved and the current state of the literature on NLRP3 inflammasome-specific inhibitors.
Spatiotemporal Convolutional Neural Network with Convolutional Block Attention Module for Micro-Expression Recognition
Authors: Chen Boyu , Zhang Zhihao , Liu Nian , Tan Yang , Liu Xinyu , Chen Tong
Published: July 2020

A micro-expression is defined as an uncontrollable muscular movement shown on the face of humans when one is trying to conceal or repress his true emotions. Many researchers have applied the deep learning framework to micro-expression recognition in recent years. However, few have introduced the human visual attention mechanism to micro-expression recognition. In this study, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) spatiotemporal convolutional neural network with the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) for micro-expression recognition. First image sequences were input to a medium-sized convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract visual features. Afterwards, it learned to allocate the feature weights in an adaptive manner with the help of a convolutional block attention module. The method was testified in spontaneous micro-expression databases (Chinese Academy of Sciences Micro-expression II (CASME II), Spontaneous Micro-expression Database (SMIC)). The experimental results show that the 3D CNN with convolutional block attention module outperformed other algorithms in micro-expression recognition.
Assessing Niche Shifts and Conservatism by Comparing the Native and Post-Invasion Niches of Major Forest Invasive Species
Authors: Srivastava Vivek , Liang Wanwan , Keena Melody A. , Roe Amanda D. , Hamelin Richard C. , Griess Verena C.
Published: July 2020

Invasive species experience biotic and abiotic conditions that may (or may not) resemble their native environment. We explored the methodology of determining climatic niches and compared the native and post-invasion niches of four invasive forest pests to determine if these species experienced shifts or changes in their new climatic niches. We used environmental principle components analysis (PCA-env) method to quantify climatic niche shifts, expansions, and temporal changes. Furthermore, we assessed the effect of variable selection in the delineation and comparison of niche space. We found that variable selection influenced the delineation and overlap of each niche, whereas the subset of climatic variables selected from the first two PCA-env axes explained more variance in environmental conditions than the complete set of climatic variables for all four species. Most focal species showed climatic niche shifts in their invasive range and had not yet fully occupied the available niche within the invaded range. Our species varied the proportion of niche overlap between the native and invasive ranges. By comparing native and invasive niches, we can help predict a species’ potential range expansion and invasion potential. Our results can guide monitoring and help inform management of these and other invasive species.
Off-Axis Characterisation of the CERN T10 Beam for low Momentum Proton Measurements with a High Pressure Gas Time Projection Chamber
Authors: Jones S.B. , Nonnenmacher T.S. , Atkin E. , Barker G.J. , Basharina-Freshville A. , Betancourt C. , Boyd S.B. , Brailsford D. , Chen-Wishart Z. , Cremonesi L. , Deisting A. , Dias A. , Dunne P. , Haigh J. , Hamacher-Baumann P. , Kaboth A. , Korzenev A. , Ma W. , Mermod P. , Mironova M. , Monroe J. , Nichol R. , Nowak J. , Parker W. , Ritchie-Yates H. , Roth S. , Saakyan R. , Serra N. , Shitov Y. , Steinmann J. , Tarrant A. , Uchida M.A. , Valder S. , Waldron A.V. , Ward M. , Wascko M.O.
Published: July 2020

We present studies of proton fluxes in the T10 beamline at CERN. A prototype high pressure gas time projection chamber (TPC) was exposed to the beam of protons and other particles, using the 0.8 GeV/c momentum setting in T10, in order to make cross section measurements of low energy protons in argon. To explore the energy region comparable to hadrons produced by GeV-scale neutrino interactions at oscillation experiments, i.e., near 0.1 GeV of kinetic energy, methods of moderating the T10 beam were employed: the dual technique of moderating the beam with acrylic blocks and measuring scattered protons off the beam axis was used to decrease the kinetic energy of incident protons, as well as change the proton/minimum ionising particle (MIP) composition of the incident flux. Measurements of the beam properties were made using time of flight systems upstream and downstream of the TPC. The kinetic energy of protons reaching the TPC was successfully changed from ∼0.3 GeV without moderator blocks to less than 0.1 GeV with four moderator blocks (40 cm path length). The flux of both protons and MIPs off the beam axis was increased. The ratio of protons to MIPs vary as a function of the off-axis angle allowing for possible optimisation of the detector to select the type of required particles. Simulation informed by the time of flight measurements show that with four moderator blocks placed in the beamline, (5.6 ± 0.1) protons with energies below 0.1 GeV per spill traversed the active TPC region. Measurements of the beam composition and energy are presented.
The Identification of Novel Biomarkers Is Required to Improve Adult SMA Patient Stratification, Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Smeriglio Piera , Langard Paul , Querin Giorgia , Biferi Maria Grazia
Published: July 2020

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is currently classified into five different subtypes, from the most severe (type 0) to the mildest (type 4) depending on age at onset, best motor function achieved, and copy number of the SMN2 gene. The two recent approved treatments for SMA patients revolutionized their life quality and perspectives. However, upon treatment with Nusinersen, the most widely administered therapy up to date, a high degree of variability in therapeutic response was observed in adult SMA patients. These data, together with the lack of natural history information and the wide spectrum of disease phenotypes, suggest that further efforts are needed to develop precision medicine approaches for all SMA patients. Here, we compile the current methods for functional evaluation of adult SMA patients treated with Nusinersen. We also present an overview of the known molecular changes underpinning disease heterogeneity. We finally highlight the need for novel techniques, i.e., -omics approaches, to capture phenotypic differences and to understand the biological signature in order to revise the disease classification and device personalized treatments.
Effect of Mg Treatment on the Nucleation and Ostwald Growth of Inclusions in Fe-O-Al-Mg Melt
Authors: Li Yutang , Wang Linzhu , Chen Chaoyi , Li Junqi , Li Xiang
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Mg treatment on the nucleation and ostwald growth of inclusions. Deoxidized experiments with Al (0.05%Al) and Al-Mg (0.05%Al + 0.03%Mg) were carried out at 1873 K, and the composition, number, and size of inclusions were studied as a function of holding time. Homogeneous nucleation theory and ostwald ripening were utilized to calculate the nucleation rate, the critical size of nuclei, and coarsening rate of inclusions. The results show that small inclusions were more easily found in the steels with Al-Mg complex deoxidation, and the number of inclusions with Al-Mg complex deoxidation is larger at an early stage of deoxidation. The critical size of nuclei increases in the order of MgAl2O4 (0.3–0.4 nm) < Al2O3 (0.4–0.6 nm), and the nucleation rate increases in the order of Al2O3 (1100 cm−3 s−1) < MgAl2O4 (1200 cm−3s−1), which is consistent with the experimental results. Moreover, the coarsening rate of MgAl2O4 inclusions was smaller than Al2O3 inclusions in both the value of kd(cal.) from ostwald growth and the value of kd(obs.) from inclusion size. The effect of Mg addition on coarsening of inclusion was analyzed and their mechanism was discussed based on ostwald ripening theory and Factsage calculation.
Microstructure and Tensile Properties of Graphene-Oxide-Reinforced High-Temperature Titanium-Alloy-Matrix Composites
Authors: Chen Hang , Mi Guangbao , Li Peijie , Huang Xu , Cao Chunxiao
Published: July 2020

In this study, graphene-oxide (GO)-reinforced Ti–Al–Sn–Zr–Mo–Nb–Si high-temperature titanium-alloy-matrix composites were fabricated by powder metallurgy. The mixed powders with well-dispersed GO sheets were obtained by temperature-controlled solution mixing, in which GO sheets adsorb on the surface of titanium alloy particles. Vacuum deoxygenating was applied to remove the oxygen-containing groups in GO, in order to reduce the introduction of oxygen. The compact composites with refined equiaxed and lamellar α phase structures were prepared by hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The results show that in-situ TiC layers form on the surface of GO and GO promotes the precipitation of hexagonal (TiZr)6Si3 particles. The composites exhibit significant improvement in strength and microhardness. The room-temperature tensile strength, yield strength and microhardness of the composite added with 0.3 wt% GO are 9%, 15% and 27% higher than the matrix titanium alloy without GO, respectively, and the tensile strength and yield strength at 600 °C are 3% and 21% higher than the matrix alloy. The quantitative analysis indicates that the main strengthening mechanisms are load transfer strengthening, grain refinement and (TiZr)6Si3 second phase strengthening, which accounted for 48%, 30% and 16% of the improvement of room-temperature yield strength, respectively.
Laser-Induced Synthesis of Composite Materials Based on Iridium, Gold and Platinum for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensing
Authors: S. Panov Maxim , M. Khairullina Evgeniia , S. Vshivtcev Filipp , N. Ryazantsev Mikhail , I. Tumkin Ilya
Published: July 2020

A simple approach for in situ laser-induced modification of iridium-based materials to increase their electrocatalytic activity towards enzyme-free glucose sensing was proposed. For this purpose, we deposited gold and platinum separately and as a mixture on the surface of pre-synthesized iridium microstructures upon laser irradiation at a wavelength of 532 nm. Then, we carried out the comparative investigation of their morphology, elemental and phase composition as well as their electrochemical properties. The best morphology and, as a result, the highest sensitivity (~9960 µA/mM cm2) with respect to non-enzymatic determination of D-glucose were demonstrated by iridium-gold-platinum microstructures also showing low limit of detection (~0.12 µM), a wide linear range (0.5 µM–1 mM) along with good selectivity, reproducibility and stability.
Effect of Ultralight Filler on the Properties of Hydrated Lime Injection Grout for the Consolidation of Detached Historic Decorative Plasters
Authors: Padovnik Andreja , Bokan-Bosiljkov Violeta
Published: July 2020

Injection-grout density is an important parameter when its additional weight leads to consolidated decorative plasters becoming damaged. This is especially evident in larger detached areas. In this study, thin-walled soda–lime–borosilicate glass microspheres were used as a density-reducing constituent in hydrated lime grout mixtures. The normal density grout composition—one volume part hydrated lime and three volume parts inert limestone filler with 0.5% of the polycarboxylate ether-based superplasticiser—was modified with partial substitution of the limestone filler with lightweight glass microspheres. The following volumetric proportions between limestone filler and glass microspheres were used: 100%:0%, 67%:33%, 50%:50%, 33%:67%, and 0%:100%. With the increase of the glass microspheres’ volume, the density of the grout is gradually reduced. Furthermore, there is a decrease in the stability and injectability of fresh grout. In its hardened state, the grout’s strength again reduces gradually, but there is no significant change in the grout’s water absorption and water-vapour resistance. The resistance of the grout to freezing–thawing and heating–cooling cycles using distilled water or salt solution is highly improved when the microspheres are present.
Antibacterial Activity of Sulfated Galactans from Eucheuma serra and Gracilari verrucosa against Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli via the Disruption of the Cell Membrane Structure
Authors: Liu Yixiang , Ma Yu , Chen Zhaohua , Li Donghui , Liu Wenqiang , Huang Ling , Zou Chao , Cao Min-Jie , Liu Guang-Ming , Wang Yanbo
Published: July 2020

Seaweed sulfated polysaccharides have attracted significant attention due to their antibacterial activity. This work investigated the antibacterial activity and mechanism of depolymerized sulfated galactans from Eucheuma serra (E. serra) and Gracilaria verrucosa (G. verrucosa) against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. The results show that removing the metal ions improves the anti-ETEC K88 activity of the galactans. The fluorescence labeling study confirmed that the sulfated galactans penetrated the cell walls and eventually reached the interior of the ETEC K88. Nucleic acid staining and intracellular protein leakage were also observed, indicating the destruction of permeability and integrity of the cell membrane. Interestingly, the two polysaccharides exhibited no effect on the proliferation of the selected Gram-positive bacteria and yeast. This indicates that the cell wall structure of the microorganisms could influence the bacteriostatic activity of the sulfated polysaccharides, as well. These results suggest that the sulfated seaweed polysaccharides might have potential application value in antibacterial diarrhea.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Enriched Fish Oil and Selenium Combination Modulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response Elements and Reverses Acquired Gefitinib Resistance in HCC827 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Liao Chien-Huang , Tzeng Yu-Tien , Lai Gi-Ming , Chang Chia-Lun , Hu Ming-Hung , Tsai Wei-Lun , Liu Yun-Ru , Hsia Simon , Chuang Shuang-En , Chiou Tzeon-Jye , Wang Le-Ming , Whang-Peng Jacqueline , Yao Chih-Jung
Published: July 2020

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-carrying specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations can be effectively treated by a tyrosine kinase inhibitor such as gefitinib. However, the inevitable development of acquired resistance leads to the eventual failure of therapy. In this study, we show the combination effect of omega-3 fatty acid-enriched fish oil (FO) and selenium (Se) on reversing the acquired gefitinib-resistance of HCC827 NSCLC cells. The gefitinib-resistant subline HCC827GR possesses lowered proapoptotic CHOP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein) and elevated cytoprotective GRP78 (glucose regulated protein of a 78 kDa molecular weight) endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response elements, and it has elevated β-catenin and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels. Combining FO and Se counteracts the above features of HCC827GR cells, accompanied by the suppression of their raised epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem markers, such as vimentin, AXL, N-cadherin, CD133, CD44, and ABCG2. Accordingly, an FO and Se combination augments the gefitinib-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis of HCC827GR cells, along with the enhanced activation of caspase -3, -9, and ER stress-related caspase-4. Intriguingly, gefitinib further increases the elevated ABCG2 and cancer stem-like side population in HCC827GR cells, which can also be diminished by the FO and Se combination. The results suggest the potential of combining FO and Se in relieving the acquired resistance of NSCLC patients to targeted therapy.
The Effect of Recrystallization on Creep Properties of Alloy IN939 Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting Process
Authors: Banoth Santhosh , Li Chen-Wei , Hiratsuka Yo , Kakehi Koji
Published: July 2020

In this research, we studied the creep properties of a selective laser melting (SLM)-processed γ′-strengthened IN939 superalloy along the building direction compared to a conventional cast alloy as a reference specimen. In the as-built condition, high-density dislocations were formed as a result of the SLM process due to the generation of the larger thermal gradient. Post-heat treatment was necessary to obtain specific mechanical properties to match industrial requirements. Two heat treatment conditions were used: the first was lower temperature heat treatment (LTH: solution treatment at 1160 °C/4 h + aging at 850 °C/16 h). The second was higher temperature heat treatment (HTH: solution treatment at 1240 °C/6 h + aging at 850 °C/16 h). Creep tests were conducted at 816 °C/250 MPa. The first and second heat treatment conditions were used for the SLM specimens, but only the first condition was used for the cast alloy (cast-LTH). The SLM specimens in the as-built and LTH conditions showed very poor creep life but good elongation. The poor creep life of the as-built specimen was caused by high dislocation density and the small recrystallized grains formed during testing. In the LTH specimen, poor creep life was due to the formation of the undesirable η phase at the grain boundary, as well as the formation of small recrystallized grains during testing. The creep life of the HTH specimen was 2.7 times longer compared to the LTH specimen. This was because these specimens were covered with recrystallized grains that included low-density dislocations, columnar grain morphology with random orientation, improvement in γ′ precipitate size, and elimination of undesirable η phase. The cast LTH specimen showed longer creep life than SLM specimens because of coarser grains with low-density dislocations, γ′ precipitate coarsening during the creep, and the presence of carbides at grain boundaries. In addition, the cast LTH specimen exhibited lower creep strain rate than SLM specimens also helped in creep life improvement.
Removal of Metallic Iron from Reduced Ilmenite by Aeration Leaching
Authors: Zhao Qiuyue , Li Maoyuan , Zhou Lei , Zheng Mingzhao , Zhang Ting’an
Published: July 2020

Aeration leaching was used to obtain synthetic rutile from a reduced ilmenite. The reduced ilmenite, obtained from the carbothermic reduction of ilmenite concentrate in a rotary kiln at about 1100 °C, contained 62.88% TiO2 and 28.93% Metallic iron. The particle size was about 200 μm and the size distribution was uniform. The effects of NH4Cl and HCl concentrations, stirring speed, and aeration leaching time on the extent of removal of metallic iron from the reduced ilmenite were studied at room temperature. The results revealed that aeration leaching is feasible at room temperature. When using the NH4Cl system, the metallic iron content was reduced to 1.98% in synthetic rutile, but the TiO2 content only reached 69.16%. Higher NH4Cl concentration did not improve the leaching. Using 2% NH4Cl with 3% HCl, we were able to upgrade the synthetic rutile to 75%, with a metallic iron content as low as 0.14% and a total iron content of about 4%. Synthetic rutile could be upgraded to about 90% using HCl solution alone. HCl and NH4Cl are both effective on the aeration leaching process. However, within the scope of this experiment, hydrochloric acid is more efficient in aeration leaching.
Rapid Fabrication of Membrane-Integrated Thermoplastic Elastomer Microfluidic Devices
Authors: McMillan Alexander H. , Thomée Emma K. , Dellaquila Alessandra , Nassman Hussam , Segura Tatiana , Lesher-Pérez Sasha Cai
Published: July 2020

Leveraging the advantageous material properties of recently developed soft thermoplastic elastomer materials, this work presents the facile and rapid fabrication of composite membrane-integrated microfluidic devices consisting of FlexdymTM polymer and commercially available porous polycarbonate membranes. The three-layer devices can be fabricated in under 2.5 h, consisting of a 2-min hot embossing cycle, conformal contact between device layers and a low-temperature baking step. The strength of the FlexdymTM-polycarbonate seal was characterized using a specialized microfluidic delamination device and an automated pressure controller configuration, offering a standardized and high-throughput method of microfluidic burst testing. Given a minimum bonding distance of 200 μm, the materials showed bonding that reliably withstood pressures of 500 mbar and above, which is sufficient for most microfluidic cell culture applications. Bonding was also stable when subjected to long term pressurization (10 h) and repeated use (10,000 pressure cycles). Cell culture trials confirmed good cell adhesion and sustained culture of human dermal fibroblasts on a polycarbonate membrane inside the device channels over the course of one week. In comparison to existing porous membrane-based microfluidic platforms of this configuration, most often made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), these devices offer a streamlined fabrication methodology with materials having favourable properties for cell culture applications and the potential for implementation in barrier model organ-on-chips.
Micromachining of Invar Foils with GHz, MHz and kHz Femtosecond Burst Modes
Authors: Butkus Simas , Jukna Vytautas , Paipulas Domas , Barkauskas Martynas , Sirutkaitis Valdas
Published: July 2020

In this work, a burst mode laser is used for micromachining of 20 µm–250 µm thick Invar (Fe64/Ni36) foils. Holes were drilled by firing multiple pulses transversely onto the sample without moving the beam (percussion drilling). The utilized laser system generates a burst of a controllable number of pulses (at 1030 nm) with tunable pulse-to-pulse time spacing ranging from 200 ps to 16 ns. The sub-pulses within the burst have equal amplitudes and a constant duration of 300 fs that do not change regardless of the spacing in time between them. In such a way, the laser generates GHz to MHz repetition rate pulse bursts with a burst repetition rate ranging from 100 kHz to a single shot. Drilling of the material is compared with the non-burst mode of kHz repetition rate. In addition, we analyze the drilling speed and the resulting dependence of the quality of the holes on the number of pulses per burst as well as the average laser power to find the optimal micromachining parameters for percussion drilling. We demonstrate that the micromachining throughput can be of an order of magnitude higher when using the burst mode as compared to the best results of the conventional kHz case; however, excess thermal damage was also evident in some cases.
New Electrospun ZnO:MoO3 Nanostructures: Preparation, Characterization and Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Pascariu Petronela , Homocianu Mihaela , Olaru Niculae , Airinei Anton , Ionescu Octavian
Published: July 2020

New molybdenum trioxide-incorporated ZnO materials were prepared through the electrospinning method and then calcination at 500 °C, for 2 h. The obtained electrospun ZnO:MoO3 hybrid materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, ultraviolet (UV)-diffuse reflectance, UV–visible (UV–vis) absorption, and photoluminescence techniques. It was observed that the presence of MoO3 as loading material in pure ZnO matrix induces a small blue shift in the absorption band maxima (from 382 to 371 nm) and the emission peaks are shifted to shorter wavelengths, as compared to pure ZnO. Also, a slight decrease in the optical band gap energy of ZnO:MoO3 was registered after MoO3 incorporation. The photocatalytic performance of pure ZnO and ZnO:MoO3 was assessed in the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye with an initial concentration of 5 mg/L, under visible light irradiation. A doubling of the degradation efficiency of the ZnO:MoO3 sample (3.26% of the atomic molar ratio of Mo/Zn) as compared to pure ZnO was obtained. The values of the reaction rate constants were found to be 0.0480 h−1 for ZnO, and 0.1072 h−1 for ZnO:MoO3, respectively.
Recent Progress in Heavy Metal Ion Decontamination Based on Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Chen Yajie , Bai Xue , Ye Zhengfang
Published: July 2020

Heavy metals are inorganic pollutants which pose a serious threat to human and environmental safety, and their effective removal is becoming an increasingly urgent issue. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a novel group of crystalline porous materials, which have proven to be promising adsorbents because of their extremely high surface areas, optimizable pore volumes and pore size distributions. This study is a systematic review of the recent research on the removal of several major heavy metal ions by MOFs. Based on the different structures of MOFs, varying adsorption capacity can be achieved, ranging from tens to thousands of milligrams per gram. Many MOFs have shown a high selectivity for their target metal ions. The corresponding mechanisms involved in capturing metal ions are outlined and finally, the challenges and prospects for their practical application are discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Li-C Nanocomposite for Easy and Safe Handling
Authors: Sharma Subash , Osugi Tetsuya , Elnobi Sahar , Ozeki Shinsuke , Jaisi Balaram Paudel , Kalita Golap , Capiglia Claudio , Tanemura Masaki
Published: July 2020

Metallic lithium (Li) anode batteries have attracted considerable attention due to their high energy density value. However, metallic Li is highly reactive and flammable, which makes Li anode batteries difficult to develop. In this work, for the first time, we report the synthesis of metallic Li-embedded carbon nanocomposites for easy and safe handling by a scalable ion beam-based method. We found that vertically standing conical Li-C nanocomposite (Li-C NC), sometimes with a nanofiber on top, can be grown on a graphite foil commonly used for the anodes of lithium-ion batteries. Metallic Li embedded inside the carbon matrix was found to be highly stable under ambient conditions, making transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization possible without any sophisticated inert gas-based sample fabrication apparatus. The developed ion beam-based fabrication technique was also extendable to the synthesis of stable Li-C NC films under ambient conditions. In fact, no significant loss of crystallinity or change in morphology of the Li-C film was observed when subjected to heating at 300 °C for 10 min. Thus, these ion-induced Li-C nanocomposites are concluded to be interesting as electrode materials for future Li-air batteries.
Breakthroughs in the Design of Novel Carbon-Based Metal Oxides Nanocomposites for VOCs Gas Sensing
Authors: Pargoletti Eleonora , Cappelletti Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Nowadays, the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at trace levels (down to ppb) is feasible by exploiting ultra-sensitive and highly selective chemoresistors, especially in the field of medical diagnosis. By coupling metal oxide semiconductors (MOS e.g., SnO2, ZnO, WO3, CuO, TiO2 and Fe2O3) with innovative carbon-based materials (graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, single-wall and multi-wall carbon nanotubes), outstanding performances in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, limits of detection, response and recovery times towards specific gaseous targets (such as ethanol, acetone, formaldehyde and aromatic compounds) can be easily achieved. Notably, carbonaceous species, highly interconnected to MOS nanoparticles, enhance the sensor responses by (i) increasing the surface area and the pore content, (ii) favoring the electron migration, the transfer efficiency (spillover effect) and gas diffusion rate, (iii) promoting the active sites concomitantly limiting the nanopowders agglomeration; and (iv) forming nano-heterojunctions. Herein, the aim of the present review is to highlight the above-mentioned hybrid features in order to engineer novel flexible, miniaturized and low working temperature sensors, able to detect specific VOC biomarkers of a human’s disease.
Soft, Biological and Composite Nanomaterials
Authors: Gupta Arvind , Kim Beom Soo
Published: July 2020

The progress in the area of nanotechnology has opened the door for the fabrication of soft, biological and composite nanomaterials for targeted applications [...]
Myoprotective Whole Foods, Muscle Health and Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review of Observational and Intervention Studies in Older Adults
Authors: Granic Antoneta , Dismore Lorelle , Hurst Christopher , Robinson Sian M. , Sayer Avan A.
Published: July 2020

Decline in skeletal muscle strength and mass (sarcopenia) accelerates with age, leading to adverse health outcomes and poor quality of life. Diet plays a crucial role in muscle ageing being an important element of a healthy lifestyle. However, unlike single nutrients, such as dietary protein, or dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, the relationship between individual whole foods and muscle health has not been systematically evaluated. We aimed to investigate which whole foods (meat, fish, eggs, fruit and vegetables, and non-liquid dairy) may be beneficial (myoprotective) for ageing muscle and sarcopenia in adults aged ≥ 50 years. Nineteen observational and nine intervention studies were identified through systematic searches of the four electronic databases (last search: March 2020). The synthesis of findings showed strong and consistent evidence for a beneficial effect of lean red meat on muscle mass or lean tissue mass in both observational and intervention studies. Higher intake of fruit and vegetables was associated with better muscle function in observational studies, but the evidence from intervention studies was scarce. Non-liquid dairy foods were beneficial for muscle mass in both observational and intervention studies. There was moderate evidence for the role of these foods in muscle strength and sarcopenia, and limited or inconclusive evidence for the benefits of other whole foods (e.g., fish, eggs) for muscle health in older adults. Although current nutritional recommendations are often based on a single nutrient approach, further research about the role of protein-rich and other foods in muscle health will allow for the development of guidelines that are based on whole foods, also highlighting the potential importance of non-protein nutrients within these foods for myoprotection in older adults.
Relationship between Autistic Traits and Nutrient Intake among Japanese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Tsujiguchi Hiromasa , Miyagi Sakae , Nguyen Thao Thi Thu , Hara Akinori , Ono Yasuki , Kambayashi Yasuhiro , Shimizu Yukari , Nakamura Haruki , Suzuki Keita , Suzuki Fumihiko , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: July 2020

Increased food selectivity among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may lead to nutritional inadequacy. The present study examined differences in nutrient intake between children and adolescents with and without ASD. We utilized cross-sectional data from the ongoing population Shika Town rural Japanese study. The participants were 1276 Japanese pupils and students aged between 7 and 15 years. ASD traits were evaluated using the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ). Nutrient intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. A one-way analysis of covariance (one-way ANCOVA) was performed to compare the mean nutrient intakes between participants with and without ASD traits. A two-way ANCOVA was conducted to compare the mean nutrient intakes among participants with and without ASD traits in different age groups (children and adolescents). The results obtained showed that the intake of carbohydrates and slightly lower intakes of protein, fat, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, retinol, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, folic acid, and pantothenic acid were higher among children and adolescents with ASD than among those without ASD. No interactions were observed between the autistic groups and age groups, excluding energy intakes. The present results indicate the importance of screening the nutrient intakes of ASD children and adolescents.
The Ambiguous Role of Caffeine in Migraine Headache: From Trigger to Treatment
Authors: Nowaczewska Magdalena , Wiciński Michał , Kaźmierczak Wojciech
Published: July 2020

Migraine is a chronic disorder, and caffeine has been linked with migraine for many years, on the one hand as a trigger, and on the other hand as a cure. As most of the population, including migraineurs, consume a considerable amount of caffeine daily, a question arises as to whether it influences their headaches. Indeed, drinking coffee before a migraine attack may not be a real headache trigger, but a consequence of premonitory symptoms, including yawning, diminished energy levels, and sleepiness that may herald a headache. Here, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the relationship between caffeine and migraines. Articles concerning this topic published up to June 2020 were retrieved by searching clinical databases, and all types of studies were included. We identified 21 studies investigating the prevalence of caffeine/caffeine withdrawal as a migraine trigger and 7 studies evaluating caffeine in acute migraine treatment. Among them, in 17 studies, caffeine/caffeine withdrawal was found to be a migraine trigger in a small percentage of participants (ranging from 2% to 30%), while all treatment studies found caffeine to be safe and effective in acute migraine treatment, mostly in combination with other analgesics. Overall, based on our review of the current literature, there is insufficient evidence to recommend caffeine cessation to all migraine patients, but it should be highlighted that caffeine overuse may lead to migraine chronification, and sudden caffeine withdrawal may trigger migraine attacks. Migraine sufferers should be aware of the amount of caffeine they consume and not exceed 200 mg daily. If they wish to continue drinking caffeinated beverages, they should keep their daily intake as consistent as possible to avoid withdrawal headache.
The Effect of Coffee and Caffeine Consumption on Patients with Multiple Sclerosis-Related Fatigue
Authors: Herden Lena , Weissert Robert
Published: July 2020

Background: Coffee and caffeine are considered to have beneficial effects in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that can lead to disability and chronic fatigue. Methods: In the present study the preference in terms of coffee and caffeine consumption in patients with MS was assessed. In total the opinions of 124 MS patients were explored with a questionnaire, which was developed to investigate the consumption behavior and associated beneficial and harmful effects of coffee and caffeine concerning symptoms of fatigue. Results: Our study showed that 37.1% of the included patients experience severe symptoms of fatigue. In our cohort, fatigue was not related to age, type of diagnosis or duration of the disease. The effects of coffee did not differ between MS patients with and without fatigue. Very few side effects linked to coffee consumption were reported, and we could demonstrate that coffee consumption had no negative impact on quality of sleep. A positive effect on everyday life was observed particularly among patients with a mid-level expanded disability status scale (EDSS). The strongest effects of coffee consumption were observed regarding a better ability to concentrate while fulfilling tasks, an expanded attention span and a better structured daily routine. Conclusions: Since coffee showed no severe side effects and in the absence of an effective fatigue therapy, coffee consumption might be a therapeutic approach for selected patients with MS-related fatigue.
Are Lipid Profiles in Middle Age Associated with Famine Exposure during Prenatal and Early Postnatal Period?
Authors: Ding Xin-Yue , Yang Zhen-Yu , Zhao Li-Yun , Zhao Wen-Hua
Published: July 2020

Background: Undernutrition during early life may increase the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, including dyslipidemia. Few investigations have confirmed the relationship between early life undernutrition and dyslipidemia in adulthood in China. Objectives: To assess the relationship between the Great Chinese Famine exposure during prenatal period or early postnatal period and lipid profiles in adulthood. Design: Data were extracted from the China Nutrition and Health Survey (CNHS) in 2010–2012, which included the participants who experienced the Great Chinese Famine during early life. Results: Participants who experienced the Great Chinese Famine in early postnatal period had a significantly higher prevalence of elevated total cholesterol (TC) (odds ratio: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.02) than unexposed participants. Female (odds ratio: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.31) were high risk than male (odds ratio: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.11) and physical inactivity group (odds ratio: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.29) were high risk than adequate physical activity group (odds ratio: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.21, 2.07). Similar effect of famine exposure on elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was observed, except that no significant difference was found between adequate physical activity group and physical inactivity group. Participants who experienced the Great Chinese Famine in prenatal period had a significantly higher prevalence of lowed high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (odds ratio: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.37) than unexposed. Female were more likely to have lower HDL-C (odds ratio: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.74), but not found in male. Participants with physical inactivity were more likely to have lower HDL-C (odds ratio: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.61), but not found in adequate physical activity group. Conclusions: People who experienced the Great Chinese Famine during early life, especially in females and people physical inactivity, would impair of lipid profiles in later life. Healthy lifestyle like adequate physical activity may partially alleviate the adverse effects.
Black Deaths Matter Earning the Right to Live: Death and the African-American Funeral Home
Authors: Cann Candi K.
Published: July 2020

Black Deaths Matter: Earning the Right to Live—Death and the African-American Funeral Home recounts the history of black funeral homes in the United States and their role in demanding justice for bodies of color and the black community. Through funeral pageantry and vigilant support for local communities, the African American funeral home has been central to ensuring that not only do Black Lives Matter, but black deaths count and are visible to the larger community. This paper is a slightly expanded version of the plenary talk for the Centre for Death and Society’s Politics of Death Conference at the University of Bath on 9 June 2018. This research and talk were supported by The Louisville Institute under the Project Grant for Researchers.
Editorial for the Special Issue: “Ten Years of Remote Sensing at Barcelona Expert Center”
Authors: Martínez Justino , González-Gambau Verónica , Gabarró Carolina , Olmedo Estrella
Published: July 2020

This book celebrates the ten year anniversary of the Barcelona Expert Center by presenting recent contributions related to the topics on which the team has been working during those years. The Barcelona Expert Center’s expertise covers a wide variety of remote sensing fields, but the main focus of the research is on the SMOS data processing and its ocean, land, and ice applications. This book contains 14 scientific papers addressing topics that go from the description of the new data processing algorithms that are implemented in the last version of the operational SMOS level 1 processor to scientific applications derived from SMOS: results on the sea-surface salinity assimilation in coastal models, synergies of the sea-surface salinity with temperature and chlorophyll and their impact on the better retrieval of ocean surface currents, quality assessment of SMOS-derived sea ice thickness, sea-surface salinity, and soil moisture products, among others. Moreover, one of the papers verifies the potential of the future Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer (CIMR) mission within the CMEMS sea-surface salinity (SSS) operational production after the SMOS era.