bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Used in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment on the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes and the Concentration of Glutathione in THP-1 Macrophages under Fluoride-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Goschorska Marta , Gutowska Izabela , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena , Piotrowska Katarzyna , Metryka Emilia , Safranow Krzysztof , Chlubek Dariusz
Published: December 2018

It has been reported that donepezil and rivastigmine, the acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitors commonly used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), do not only inhibit AChE but also have antioxidant properties. As oxidative stress is involved in AD pathogenesis, in our study we attempted to examine the influence of donepezil and rivastigmine on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione concentration in macrophages—an important source of reactive oxygen species and crucial for oxidative stress progression. The macrophages were exposed to sodium fluoride induced oxidative stress. The antioxidant enzymes activity and concentration of glutathione were measured spectrophotometrically. The generation of reactive oxygen species was visualized by confocal microscopy. The results of our study showed that donepezil and rivastigmine had a stimulating effect on catalase activity. However, when exposed to fluoride-induced oxidative stress, the drugs reduced the activity of some antioxidant enzymes (Cat, SOD, GR). These observations suggest that the fluoride-induced oxidative stress may suppress the antioxidant action of AChE inhibitors. Our results may have significance in the clinical practice of treatment of AD and other dementia diseases.
A Profile of Knee Injuries Suffered by Australian Army Reserve Soldiers
Authors: Schram Ben , Orr Robin , Pope Rodney
Published: December 2018

Despite having to perform the same occupational tasks as full-time soldiers, part-time soldiers may have lower levels of physical conditioning and report higher rates of injury per unit exposure to active service. The purpose of this study was to profile the leading body site of injury occurring in part-time soldiers to inform injury prevention strategies. Injury data from the Australian Army Reserve (ARES) spanning a two-year period were obtained from the Department of Defence Workplace Health, Safety, Compensation and Reporting database pertaining to locations, nature, mechanisms, and the activity being performed at the time of injury. Among the 1434 injuries reported by ARES personnel, the knee was the most common injury site (n = 228, 16%). Soft tissue injury due to trauma or unknown causes was the most common nature of knee injury (n = 177, 78%). Combat training was the most common activity being performed when soft tissue injuries occurred at the knee (n = 73, 42%), with physical training the second most common (n = 51, 30%), due to muscular stress (n = 36, 71%) and falls (n = 8, 16%). Targeted intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to injury minimization strategies for soft tissue knee injuries during combat and physical training should be designed.
Adaptive Immunodeficiency in WHIM Syndrome
Authors: Majumdar Shamik , Murphy Philip M.
Published: December 2018

Cysteine-X-cysteine chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a broadly expressed and multifunctional G protein-coupled chemokine receptor critical for organogenesis, hematopoiesis, and antimicrobial host defense. In the hematopoietic system, the binding of CXCR4 to its cognate chemokine ligand, CXCL12, mediates leukocyte trafficking, distribution, survival, activation, and proliferation. Warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis (WHIM) syndrome is a rare, autosomal dominant, combined immunodeficiency disorder caused by mutations in the C-terminus of CXCR4 that prevent receptor downregulation and therefore result in pathologically increased signaling. The “M” in the acronym WHIM refers to myelokathexis, the retention of neutrophils in the bone marrow resulting in neutropenia, which explains in part the increased susceptibility to bacterial infection. However, WHIM patients also present with B and T lymphopenia, which may explain the susceptibility to human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of warts. The impact of WHIM mutations on lymphocytes and adaptive immunity has received less attention than myelokathexis and is the focus of this review.
Proteomic Analysis of Mouse Brain Subjected to Spaceflight
Authors: Mao Xiao Wen , Sandberg Lawrence B. , Gridley Daila S. , Herrmann E. Clifford , Zhang Guangyu , Raghavan Ravi , Zubarev Roman A. , Zhang Bo , Stodieck Louis S. , Ferguson Virginia L. , Bateman Ted A. , Pecaut Michael J.
Published: December 2018

There is evidence that spaceflight poses acute and late risks to the central nervous system. To explore possible mechanisms, the proteomic changes following spaceflight in mouse brain were characterized. Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) was launched from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on a 13-day mission. Within 3–5 h after landing, brain tissue was collected to evaluate protein expression profiles using quantitative proteomic analysis. Our results showed that there were 26 proteins that were significantly altered after spaceflight in the gray and/or white matter. While there was no overlap between the white and gray matter in terms of individual proteins, there was overlap in terms of function, synaptic plasticity, vesical activity, protein/organelle transport, and metabolism. Our data demonstrate that exposure to the spaceflight environment induces significant changes in protein expression related to neuronal structure and metabolic function. This might lead to a significant impact on brain structural and functional integrity that could affect the outcome of space missions.
Topical Application of TGF-β-Activating Peptide, KRFK, Prevents Inflammatory Manifestations in the TSP-1-Deficient Mouse Model of Chronic Ocular Inflammation
Authors: Soriano-Romaní Laura , Contreras-Ruiz Laura , López-García Antonio , Diebold Yolanda , Masli Sharmila
Published: December 2018

Chronic inflammation of the ocular surface poses a risk of vision impairment. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the inflammatory response is critical to identify novel molecular targets. Recently, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) has emerged as a key player in ocular surface homeostasis that efficiently activates the TGF-β2 isoform that is predominantly expressed in the ocular mucosa. Here, the potential of the peptide derived from TSP-1 (KRFK), that can activate TGF-β, is proposed as a potentially applicable therapeutic for chronic ocular surface inflammatory disorders. Our in vitro results confirm that the chosen peptide activates TGF-β, reducing the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on dendritic cells, driving them towards a tolerogenic phenotype. For the in vivo studies, the TSP-1−/− mouse is used as a pre-clinical model of chronic ocular inflammation. We observe that the topical application of KRFK alters the peripheral balance of effectors by reducing the proportion of pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells while increasing Treg cell proportion in cervical lymph nodes. In line with these findings, the development of chronic ocular surface inflammation is significantly prevented in KRFK-treated TSP-1−/− mice, as assessed by clinical parameters and inflammatory cytokine expression in conjunctival and lacrimal gland tissues. Together, our results identify the KRFK peptide as a novel therapeutic option to prevent the development of chronic inflammatory manifestations of the ocular surface.
Glycopolymer Grafted Silica Gel as Chromatographic Packing Materials
Authors: Ma Gaoqi , Luo Xitao , Sun Xitong , Wang Weiyan , Shou Qinghui , Liang Xiangfeng , Liu Huizhou
Published: December 2018

The modification of the surface of silica gel to prepare hydrophilic chromatographic fillers has recently become a research interest. Most researchers have grafted natural sugar-containing polymers onto chromatographic surfaces. The disadvantage of this approach is that the packing structure is singular and the application scope is limited. In this paper, we explore the innovative technique of grafting a sugar-containing polymer, 2-gluconamidoethyl methacrylamide (GAEMA), onto the surface of silica gel by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The SiO2-g-GAEMA with ATRP reaction time was characterized by Fourier infrared analysis, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis. As the reaction time lengthened, the amount of GAEMA grafted on the surface of the silica gel gradually increased. The GAEMA is rich in amide bonds and hydroxyl groups and is a typical hydrophilic chromatography filler. Finally, SiO2-g-GAEMA (reaction time = 24 h) was chosen as the stationary phase of the chromatographic packing and evaluated with four polar compounds (uracil, cytosine, guanosine, and cytidine). Compared with unmodified silica gel, modified silica gel produces sharper peaks and better separation efficiency. This novel packing material may have a potential for application with highly isomerized sugar mixtures.
Nano-Based Systems and Biomacromolecules as Carriers for Metallodrugs in Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Poursharifi Mina , Wlodarczyk Marek T. , Mieszawska Aneta J.
Published: December 2018

Since the discovery of cisplatin and its potency in anticancer therapy, the development of metallodrugs has been an active area of research. The large choice of transition metals, oxidation states, coordinating ligands, and different geometries, allows for the design of metal-based agents with unique mechanisms of action. Many metallodrugs, such as titanium, ruthenium, gallium, tin, gold, and copper-based complexes have been found to have anticancer activities. However, biological application of these agents necessitates aqueous solubility and low systemic toxicity. This minireview highlights the emerging strategies to facilitate the in vivo application of metallodrugs, aimed at enhancing their solubility and bioavailability, as well as improving their delivery to tumor tissues. The focus is on encapsulating the metal-based complexes into nanocarriers or coupling to biomacromolecules, generating efficacious anticancer therapies. The delivery systems for complexes of platinum, ruthenium, copper, and iron are discussed with most recent examples.
L1 Transfer in L2 Acquisition of English Verbal Morphology by Japanese Young Instructed Learners
Authors: Muroya Akiko
Published: December 2018

Inflectional morphology has been considered as a particularly difficult area in second language (L2) acquisition (Lardiere 2008; Slabakova 2008). This paper reports on an empirical study investigating the L2 acquisition of English verbal morphology by Japanese young instructed learners. The aim of this study is to explore how the first language (L1) plays a role in the L2 acquisition of inflectional morphology, by applying the Feature Reassembly Hypothesis (FRH, Lardiere 2008, 2009) to a Japanese−English pairing. An elicited production task was administered to Japanese junior high school aged 12–15 (n = 102) and university students aged 19–20 (n = 30). The results show a difference with respect to accuracy rates and error types from previous L2 English studies, in terms of tense−aspect morphology. The findings provide evidence for the FRH’s prediction that attributes morphological variability to L1−L2 contrasts in reassembly of feature matrices for morpholexical items.
5-Chloro-8-{[1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methoxy}quinoline
Authors: Luna Parada Luz , Kouznetsov Vladimir
Published: December 2018

The title quinoline derivative, 5-chloro-8-{[1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methoxy}quinoline, was synthesized in a common three-step procedure from 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline using O-propargylation reaction/copper-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition sequence. The structure of the compound was fully characterized by FT-IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, GC-MS, and elemental analysis. Its physicochemical parameters (Lipinski’s descriptors) were also calculated using the Molinspiration Cheminformatics software. The hybrid obtained could be an interesting model for antifungal bio-essays or a suitable precursor in the synthesis of more complex triazolyl-quinoline hybrids, potential pharmacological agents.
Mechanical Characterizations of 3D-printed PLLA/Steel Particle Composites
Authors: Mozafari Hozhabr , Dong Pengfei , Hadidi Haitham , Sealy Michael P. , Gu Linxia
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study is to characterize the micromechanical properties of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) composites reinforced by grade 420 stainless steel (SS) particles with a specific focus on the interphase properties. The specimens were manufactured using 3D printing techniques due to its many benefits, including high accuracy, cost effectiveness and customized geometry. The adopted fused filament fabrication resulted in a thin interphase layer with an average thickness of 3 µm. The mechanical properties of each phase, as well as the interphase, were characterized by nanoindentation tests. The effect of matrix degradation, i.e., imperfect bonding, on the elastic modulus of the composite was further examined by a representative volume element (RVE) model. The results showed that the interphase layer provided a smooth transition of elastic modulus from steel particles to the polymeric matrix. A 10% volume fraction of steel particles could enhance the elastic modulus of PLLA polymer by 31%. In addition, steel particles took 37% to 59% of the applied load with respect to the particle volume fraction. We found that degradation of the interphase reduced the elastic modulus of the composite by 70% and 7% under tensile and compressive loads, respectively. The shear modulus of the composite with 10% particles decreased by 36%, i.e., lower than pure PLLA, when debonding occurred.
Doping β-TCP as a Strategy for Enhancing the Regenerative Potential of Composite β-TCP—Alkali-Free Bioactive Glass Bone Grafts. Experimental Study in Rats
Authors: Ferreira Manuel M. , Brito Ana F. , Brazete Daniela , Pereira Inês C. , Carrilho Eunice , Abrantes Ana M. , Pires Ana S. , Aguiar Maria J. , Carvalho Lina , Botelho Maria F. , Ferreira José M.F.
Published: December 2018

The present work aims at evaluating the potential gains derived from partially replacing calcium in resorbable β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) by two different molar percentages of strontium (5, 10) and zinc (1, 2), concomitantly with a fixed molar percentage (0.5) of manganese. Synthetic granular composite bone filling grafts consisting of doped β-TCP and an alkali-free bioactive glass were prepared and implanted in ~4 mm diameter bone defects drilled in the calvaria of Wistar rats used as animal models. The animals were sacrificed after 9 weeks of implantation and the calvaria was excised. Non-manipulated bone was used as positive control, while empty defects were used as a negative control group. The von Kossa staining revealed an enhanced new bone formation with increasing doping levels, supporting the therapeutic effects exerted by the doping elements. The percentage of newly formed bone was similar when the defects were filled with autologous bone, BG (previous results) or 3TCP2/7BG, which indicates that the latter two are excellent candidates for replacement of autologous bone as bone regeneration material. This finding confirms that doping with suitable doses of therapeutic ions is a good strategy towards transposing the bone graft materials to biomedical applications in humans.
A Three-Phase Model Characterizing the Low-Velocity Impact Response of SMA-Reinforced Composites under a Vibrating Boundary Condition
Authors: Chang Mengzhou , Kong Fangyun , Sun Min , He Jian
Published: December 2018

Structural vibration induced by dynamic load or natural vibration is a non-negligible factor in failure analysis. Based on a vibrating boundary condition, the impact resistance of shape memory alloy (SMA)-reinforced composites was investigated. In this investigation, a modified Hashin’s failure criterion, Brinson’s model, and a visco-hyperelastic model were implemented into a numerical model to characterize the mechanical behavior of glass fiber/epoxy resin laminates, SMAs, and interphase, respectively. First, a fixed boundary condition was maintained in the simulation to verify the accuracy of the material parameters and procedures by a comparison with experimental data. Then, a series of vibrating boundaries with different frequencies and amplitudes was applied during the simulation process to reveal the effect on impact resistances. The results indicate that the impact resistance of the composite under a higher frequency or a larger amplitude is lower than that under a lower frequency or a smaller amplitude.
Analysis of Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Mortar in the Historic Retaining Wall of the Gediminas Castle Hill (Vilnius, Lithuania)
Authors: Jonaitis Bronius , Antonovič Valentin , Šneideris Arnoldas , Boris Renata , Zavalis Robertas
Published: December 2018

This study analysed the results of the joint research into the building materials of the historic masonry of the retaining wall of the Gediminas Castle Hill dating back to the end of the 13th and beginning of the 14th centuries. Core samples for material testing were collected along the entire height of the retaining wall to assess its load bearing capacity. Boreholes were drilled 600–1000 mm from the exterior of the wall to determine the properties of the ceramic bricks and lime mortar that were not affected by external factors. The analysis of the microstructure and chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties of the ceramic bricks and lime mortar is presented. The high compressive strength (8.5 MPa) of the lime mortar was the result of using hydraulic lime and crumbs of ceramic bricks as mortar aggregate.
Segregation and Morphological Evolution of Si Phase during Electromagnetic Directional Solidification of Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloys
Authors: Jiang Weiyan , Yu Wenzhou , Li Jie , You Zhixiong , Li Chunmei , Lv Xuewei
Published: December 2018

Understanding the Si segregation behavior in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys is important for controlling the micro- and macrostructures of ingots. The macrosegregation mechanism and morphological evolution of the primary Si phase were investigated during electromagnetic directional solidification (EMDS). Both numerical simulations and experimental results strongly suggested that the severe macrosegregation of the primary Si phase was caused by fluid flow and temperature distribution. Microscopic analysis showed that the morphological evolution of the Si crystal occurred as follows: planar → cellular → columnar → dendritic stages during EMDS. Based on constitutional supercooling theory, a predominance area diagram of Si morphology was established, indicating that the morphology could be precisely controlled by adjusting the values of temperature gradient (G), crystal growth rate (R), and solute concentration (C0). The results provide novel insight into controlling the morphologies of primary Si phases in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys and, simultaneously, strengthen our understanding of the macrosegregation mechanism in metallic alloys.
New Biocompatible Mesoporous Silica/Polysaccharide Hybrid Materials as Possible Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Pandele Andreea Madalina , Andronescu Corina , Ghebaur Adi , Garea Sorina Alexandra , Iovu Horia
Published: December 2018

A high number of studies support the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) as carriers for drug delivery systems due to its high biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo, its large surface area, controlled pore size and, more than this, its good excretion capacity from the body. In this work we attempt to establish the optimal encapsulation parameters of benzalkonium chloride (BZC) into MSN and further study its drug release. The influence of different parameters towards the drug loading in MSN such as pH, contact time and temperature were considered. The adsorption mechanism of the drug has been determined by using the equilibrium data. The modification process was proved using several methods such as Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Since MSN shows a lower drug release amount due to the agglomeration tendency, in order to increase MSN dispersion and drug release amount from MSN, two common biocompatible and biodegradable polymers were used as polymer matrix in which the MSN-BZC can be dispersed. The drug release profile of the MSN-BZC and of the synthesized hybrid materials were studied both in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Polymer-MSN-BZC hybrid materials exhibit a higher drug release percent than the pure MSN-BZC when a higher dispersion is achieved. The dispersion of MSN into the hybrid materials was pointed out in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The release mechanism was determined using four mathematic models including first-order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer–Peppas and Weibull.
The Modified Beta Gompertz Distribution: Theory and Applications
Authors: Elbatal Ibrahim , Jamal Farrukh , Chesneau Christophe , Elgarhy Mohammed , Alrajhi Sharifah
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we introduce a new continuous probability distribution with five parameters called the modified beta Gompertz distribution. It is derived from the modified beta generator proposed by Nadarajah, Teimouri and Shih (2014) and the Gompertz distribution. By investigating its mathematical and practical aspects, we prove that it is quite flexible and can be used effectively in modeling a wide variety of real phenomena. Among others, we provide useful expansions of crucial functions, quantile function, moments, incomplete moments, moment generating function, entropies and order statistics. We explore the estimation of the model parameters by the obtained maximum likelihood method. We also present a simulation study testing the validity of maximum likelihood estimators. Finally, we illustrate the flexibility of the distribution by the consideration of two real datasets.
Characterization of a Nanocrystalline Structure Formed by Crystal Lattice Transformation in a Bulk Steel Material
Authors: Cui Tianyu , Liu Qingsuo , Zhang Xin , Zhang Dawei , Li Jinman
Published: December 2018

The formation of nanocrystalline structures in bulk metal materials is of great significance for both investigating the structural features of nanocrystalline materials and enhancing the value of bulk metal materials in engineering applications. Herein, we report a nanocrystalline structure formed by lattice transformation in a three-dimensional bulk metal material. We characterized its phase composition, three-dimensional features, and boundary structure. This nanocrystalline structure had microscale length and height and nanoscale width, which gave it a “nanoplate” structure in three-dimensional space. We observed edge dislocations in the interior of the nanocrystalline structure. A unique transitional boundary that contributed to maintaining its nanoscale size was found at the border between the parent phase and the nanocrystalline structure.
Biometric Image Analysis for Quantitation of Dividing Platelets
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jeong , Song Yejin , Song Jaewoo
Published: December 2018

(1) Background: Quantification of platelet division is challenging because automated Coulter cell counters produce equivocal platelet counts. (2) Methods: We applied the flow cytometric cell tracking dye dilution assay as a popular immunological method to evaluate lymphocyte proliferation to prove and quantitate platelet division. We also devised a method relying on platelet culture in a semisolid medium which enabled dividing platelets to be identified by limiting the diffusive movement of platelets. Mixing platelets of different labeling colors in semisolid medium and counting the platelet doublets of each color combination enabled us to prove and quantitate platelet division. (3) Results: The tracking dye dilution assay revealed that 75.5 to 85.6% of platelets were dividing after 20 hours in culture. Platelets labeled with two different tracking dyes were mixed and cultured in semisolid medium for differential doublet counting. We counted platelet singlets and doublets of each color and color combination using confocal microscopy after six hours of culture and compared the relative number of two-colored doublets with binomial prediction to prove platelet division (P < 0.01). Division was suppressed by taxol, nocodazole, or cytochalasin D treatment. We derived a formula for determining the fraction of dividing platelets using the numbers of singlets and doublets of each color and color combination. The platelet division fraction ranged from 8.8 to 17.5%. (4) Conclusion: We successfully measured platelet division using a simple biometric image analysis method with possible future application to microfluidic devices.
Kombucha Beverage from Green, Black and Rooibos Teas: A Comparative Study Looking at Microbiology, Chemistry and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Gaggìa Francesca , Baffoni Loredana , Galiano Michele , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Jakobsen Rasmus Riemer , Castro-Mejía Josue Leonardo , Bosi Sara , Truzzi Francesca , Musumeci Federica , Dinelli Giovanni , Di Gioia Diana
Published: December 2018

Kombucha is usually obtained from the fermentation of black or green tea by a consortium of acetic acid bacteria and yeasts. In this study, kombucha was prepared from the same starter consortium using green and black teas as well as, for the first time, an infusion of rooibos leaves (Aspalathus linearis). Microbial diversity was analysed during fermentation both in the biofilm and in the corresponding kombuchas, using culture-dependent and -independent methods. Polyphenols, flavonoids, ethanol, and acids were quantified and anti-oxidant activities were monitored. All of the Kombuchas showed similarity in bacterial composition, with the dominance of Komagataeibacter spp. Beta diversity showed that the yeast community was significantly different among all tea substrates, between 7 and 14 days of fermentation and between biofilm and kombucha, indicating the influence of the substrate on the fermenting microbiota. Kombucha from rooibos has a low ethanol concentration (1.1 mg/mL), and a glucuronic acid amount that was comparable to black tea. Although antioxidant activity was higher in black and green kombucha compared to rooibos, the latter showed an important effect on the recovery of oxidative damage on fibroblast cell lines against oxidative stress. These results make rooibos leaves interesting for the preparation of a fermented beverage with health benefits.
Dietary Patterns Related to Triglyceride and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in Korean Men and Women
Authors: Song Sihan , Lee Jung Eun
Published: December 2018

We aimed to examine whether dietary patterns that explain the variation of triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio were associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Korean adults. We included a total of 5097 adults without diabetes at baseline with a mean follow-up of 11.54 years. Usual diet was assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire, and serum levels of TG and HDL-C were measured at baseline. We derived dietary pattern scores using 41 food groups as predictors and the TG/HDL-C ratio as a response variable in a stepwise linear regression. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) of type 2 diabetes according to pattern scores using multivariate logistic regression. A total of 1069 incident cases of type 2 diabetes were identified. A list of foods characterizing the dietary pattern differed by sex. Higher dietary pattern scores were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes; ORs (95% CIs) comparing extreme quintiles were 1.53 (1.12–2.09; p for trend = 0.008) for men and 1.33 (0.95–1.86; p for trend = 0.011) for women. Our study suggests the evidence that dietary patterns associated with low levels of TG/HDL-C ratio may have the potential to reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes.
Plasma Sulphur-Containing Amino Acids, Physical Exercise and Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight Dysglycemic and Normal Weight Normoglycemic Men
Authors: Lee Sindre , Olsen Thomas , Vinknes Kathrine J. , Refsum Helga , Gulseth Hanne L. , Birkeland Kåre I. , Drevon Christian A.
Published: December 2018

Plasma sulphur-containing amino acids and related metabolites are associated with insulin sensitivity, although the mechanisms are unclear. We examined the effect of exercise on this relationship. Dysglycemic (n = 13) and normoglycemic (n = 13) men underwent 45 min cycling before and after 12 weeks exercise intervention. We performed hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, mRNA-sequencing of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue biopsies, and targeted profiling of plasma metabolites by LC-MS/MS. Insulin sensitivity increased similarly in dysglycemic and normoglycemic men after 12 weeks of exercise, in parallel to similar increases in concentration of plasma glutamine, and decreased concentrations of plasma glutamate, cysteine, taurine, and glutathione. Change in plasma concentrations of cysteine and glutathione exhibited the strongest correlations to exercise-improved insulin sensitivity, and expression of a cluster of genes essential for oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism in both skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, as well as mitochondria-related genes such as mitofilin. Forty-five min of cycling decreased plasma concentrations of glutamine and methionine, and increased plasma concentrations of glutamate, homocysteine, cystathionine, cysteine, glutathione, and taurine. Similar acute responses were seen in both groups before and after the 12 weeks training period. Both acute and long-term exercise may influence transsulphuration and glutathione biosynthesis, linking exercise-improved insulin sensitivity to oxidative stress and mitochondrial function.
Low Phytanic Acid-Concentrated DHA Prevents Cognitive Deficit and Regulates Alzheimer Disease Mediators in an ApoE−/− Mice Experimental Model
Authors: Ruiz-Roso María Belén , Echeverry-Alzate Víctor , Ruiz-Roso Baltasar , Quintela José Carlos , Ballesteros Sandra , Lahera Vicente , De las Heras Natalia , López-Moreno José Antonio , Martín-Fernández Beatriz
Published: December 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the main cause of dementia and cognitive impairment. It has been associated with a significant diminution of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the brain. Clinical trials with DHA as a treatment in neurological diseases have shown inconsistent results. Previously, we reported that the presence of phytanic acid (PhA) in standard DHA compositions could be blunting DHA’s beneficial effects. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the effects of a low PhA-concentrated DHA and a standard PhA-concentrated DHA in Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE−/−) mice. Behavioral tests and protein expression of pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, antioxidant factors, and AD-related mediators were evaluated. Low PhA-concentrated DHA decreased Aβ, ß-amyloid precursor protein (APP), p-tau, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII), caspase 3, and catalase, and increased brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) when compared to standard PhA-concentrated DHA. Low PhA-concentrated DHA decreased interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) protein expression in ApoE−/− mice when compared to standard PhA-concentrated DHA. No significant differences were found in p22phox, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1), and tau protein expression. The positive actions of a low PhA-concentrated DHA were functionally reflected by improving the cognitive deficit in the AD experimental model. Therefore, reduction of PhA content in DHA compositions could highlight a novel pathway for the neurodegeneration processes related to AD.
Portion Size of Energy-Dense Foods among French and UK Adults by BMI Status
Authors: Rippin Holly L. , Hutchinson Jayne , Jewell Jo , Breda Joao J. , Cade Janet E.
Published: December 2018

Evidence links consumed food portion size (FPS) and excess weight via increased energy intake. Policies to regulate on-pack serving sizes may be needed; determining consumed FPS of popular energy-dense foods for normal weight and overweight or obese (OWOB) adults, as reported here, may provide evidence to assist this. Data were analysed from national cross-sectional surveys, the French Étude Individuelle Nationale des Consommations Alimentaires2 2005–2007 (n = 2117), and UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008–2014 (n = 3413). The impact of body mass index (BMI) on FPS is also investigated, adjusting for age, sex and under-reporting. Effects of under-reporting on relationships between FPS and BMI; and BMI on consumption frequency (UK only) were explored. OWOB reported larger FPS than normal-weight individuals in many, but not all food subgroups; however, there were only two significant FPS differences. In adjusted analyses, French individuals consumed 1.0 g (99% CI 0.01–2.1 p = 0.01) greater FPS in cakes for 1 point difference in BMI. ‘Other cakes’ and ‘dark chocolate’ were also significantly positively associated with BMI. High-fat bar snacks, but no UK main food groups, were positively associated with BMI. There was limited evidence of links between FPS and BMI in UK and French national cross-sectional data, possibly due to data limitations such as under-reporting. Future work should explore this and relationships between consumed FPS and on-pack suggested serving sizes to provide evidence to assist obesity-prevention policies.
Inula japonica Thunb. Flower Ethanol Extract Improves Obesity and Exercise Endurance in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Park So-Hyun , Lee Da-Hye , Kim Min Jung , Ahn Jiyun , Jang Young-Jin , Ha Tae-Youl , Jung Chang Hwa
Published: December 2018

Inula japonica Thunb. (Asteraceae) is a flowering plant that grows mainly in Korea, Japan, and China and its flower extract has diverse biological effects such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. However, the effects on obesity and enhancement of endurance capacity have not been explored yet. This study aims to reveal the effects of I. japonica flower ethanol extract (IJE) on obesity and endurance capacity in high-fat diet (HFD) fed C57BL/6J mice and the mechanism. IJE inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro. Also, IJE-fed mice showed reduced body weight gain, hepatic lipid, and body fat mass, and increased muscle weight. IJE reduced lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissue by decreasing lipogenic and adipogenic gene expression. Additionally, consumption of low-dose IJE significantly enhanced endurance capacity via increasing AMP-activated protein kinase activity and mRNA levels of Myh7 and Myh2. Luteolin and 1β-hydroxyalantolactone (1β-HA), compounds of IJE, are involved in anti-adipogenesis in the 3T3-L cells and only luteolin increased the protein levels of MHC during C2C12 myoblast differentiation. Collectively, our results suggest that consumption of IJE not only helps to prevent obesity but also enhances endurance capacity reduced by HFD.
Polysaccharide Based Scaffolds for Soft Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Tiwari Sanjay , Patil Rahul , Bahadur Pratap
Published: December 2018

Soft tissue reconstructs require materials that form three-dimensional (3-D) structures supportive to cell proliferation and regenerative processes. Polysaccharides, due to their hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, abundance, and presence of derivatizable functional groups, are distinctive scaffold materials. Superior mechanical properties, physiological signaling, and tunable tissue response have been achieved through chemical modification of polysaccharides. Moreover, an appropriate formulation strategy enables spatial placement of the scaffold to a targeted site. With the advent of newer technologies, these preparations can be tailor-made for responding to alterations in temperature, pH, or other physiological stimuli. In this review, we discuss the developmental and biological aspects of scaffolds prepared from four polysaccharides, viz. alginic acid (ALG), chitosan (CHI), hyaluronic acid (HA), and dextran (DEX). Clinical studies on these scaffolds are also discussed.
Inferring Active Noise Characteristics from the Paired Observations of Anomalous Diffusion
Authors: Saito Takuya , Sakaue Takahiro
Published: December 2018

Anomalous diffusion has been most often argued in terms of a position fluctuation of a tracer. We here propose the other fluctuating observable, i.e., momentum transfer defined as the time integral of applied force to hold a tracer’s position. Being a conjugated variable, the momentum transfer is thought of as generating the anomalous diffusion paired with the position’s one. By putting together the paired anomalous diffusions, we aim to extract useful information in complex systems, which can be applied to experiments like tagged monomer observations in chromatin. The polymer being in the equilibrium, the mean square displacement (or variance) of position displacement or momentum transfer exhibits the sub- or superdiffusion, respectively, in which the sum of the anomalous diffusion indices is conserved quite generally, but the nonequilibrium media that generate the active noise may manifest the derivations from the equilibrium relation. We discuss the deviations that reflect the characteristics of the active noise.
Effect of Cinnamon Extraction Oil (CEO) for Algae Biofilm Shelf-Life Prolongation
Authors: Othman Maizatulnisa , Rashid Haziq , Jamal Nur Ayuni , Shaharuddin Sharifah Imihezri Syed , Sulaiman Sarina , Hairil H. Saffiyah , Khalid Khalisanni , Zakaria Mohd Nazarudin
Published: December 2018

This study was conducted to improve the life-span of the biofilm produced from algae by evaluating the decomposition rate with the effect of cinnamon extraction oil (CEO). The biofilm was fabricated using the solution casting technique. The soil burying analysis demonstrated low moisture absorption of the biofilm, thus decelerating the degradation due to low swelling rate and micro-organism activity, prolonging the shelf-life of the biofilm. Hence, the addition of CEO also affects the strength properties of the biofilm. The maximum tensile strength was achieved with the addition of 5% CEO, which indicated a good intermolecular interaction between the biopolymer (algae) and cinnamon molecules. The tensile strength, which was measured at 4.80 MPa, correlated with the morphological structure. The latter was performed using SEM, where the surface showed the absence of a separating phase between the biofilm and cinnamon blend. This was evidenced by FTIR analysis, which confirmed the occurrence of no chemical reaction between the biofilm and CEO during processing. The prolongation shelf-life rate of biofilm with good tensile properties are achievable with the addition of 5% of CEO.
Analysis of Network Structures in Thiol-Ene UV Curing System Using Reworkable Resins
Authors: Okamura Haruyuki , Yamagaki Masashi , Nakata Kyohei
Published: December 2018

An analysis of the network structures in thiol-ene UV curing resins was carried out using reworkable resins composed of di(meth)acrylate monomers having tertiary ester linkages. The effect of the functionality of the thiols, the functional ratio of the thiol and ene functions, their conversions and curing atmosphere on the chain lengths was discussed. A mixture of (meth)acrylates, thiol compounds, a photoradical initiator, and a photoacid generator was cured by irradiation at 365 nm. The cured samples were degraded by heating after irradiation at 254 nm. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and 1H NMR analyses of the degraded samples were carried out after the methylation. The crosslinking conditions strongly affected the network structures. The degraded samples have molecular weights between 250 and 2700. The molecular weights of the degraded resins increased with the functionality of the thiol compounds. The chain length dependence suggests that thiol compounds with a high functionality have a low reactivity due to steric hindrance. The chain lengths of the degraded networks were nearly proportional to the concentration of the (meth)acrylate monomers. The addition of reactive diluents enhanced the reactivity and increased the chain length.
High-Throughput Microfiltration Membranes with Natural Biofouling Reducer Agent for Food Processing
Authors: Utoro Panggulu Ahmad R. , Sukoyo Agung , Sandra Sandra , Izza Nimatul , Dewi Shinta Rosalia , Wibisono Yusuf
Published: December 2018

The effect of natural antibiotics Moringa oleifera seeds powder in cellulose acetate membranes as biofouling reducer agent was investigated. Mixed matrix membranes (MMM) were synthesized by adding 100 mesh M. oleifera seeds powder with variation of three concentrations (1 wt%, 2 wt%, and 3 wt%), into a mix polymer solution of CA (cellulose acetate) and two different solvents, i.e., DMF (dimethylformamide) and DMAc (dimethylacetamide). The synthesized membranes morphology was observed under scanning electron microscopy and from the images can be seen that the membranes made of DMAc formed rather large macrovoid as compared to DMF-based membranes. The microstructure affected the water flux through the membranes, in which the DMAc membranes provided a higher flux value and served as high-throughput microfiltration membranes. Antibacterial properties of MMM were tested using Escherichia coli adhesion onto membrane surfaces. The results showed that M. oleifera has been proven to eradicate E. coli activity on the membrane surfaces due to interaction between bacterial cells and phenolic compounds from M. oleifera, through absorption processes involving hydrogen bonds.
Investigation of Deep Mine Shaft Stability in Alternating Hard and Soft Rock Strata Using Three-Dimensional Numerical Modeling
Authors: Sun Xiaoming , Li Gan , Zhao Chengwei , Liu Yangyang , Miao Chengyu
Published: December 2018

The problem of shaft instability has always been a major difficulty in deep mining practices. The shaft fracture has a high probability of being located near the aquifers and the soft–hard rock contact zone. This paper describes the deformation and stress characteristics of surrounding rock and the shaft lining under the interactive geological conditions under soft and hard rock strata in Anju coal mine, Shandong Province, China. Using the Method of Geological Strength Index (GSI ) and considering the rock-softening characteristics of water, the parameters of rock mass are calibrated. By means of the 3DEC-trigon method, the variation characteristics of surrounding rock and the shaft lining are simulated. After shaft excavation, under the condition of no support, shear failure and tensile failure occur in shallow surrounding rock shafts, and a pressure relief zone is formed. Shear failure is the main destruction mode in deep surrounding rock. Because of the different strengths of the surrounding rock, the deformation of the surrounding rock is significantly different. After the surrounding rock is softened by water absorption, the difference is magnified. The maximum shear stress and plastic zone appear near the interface between soft and hard rock. Under the condition of shaft lining support, uneven deformation of surrounding rock surely leads to nonlinear variation of pressure on the shaft lining. Under the action of an inhomogeneous pressure field, partial shear failure occurs in the shaft lining, and the shear failure area increases after the surrounding rock is softened by water. Because of the nonlinear deformation of the shaft lining, it is easy to produce stress concentration and bending moment near the interface between hard and soft strata. The control methods of advance grouting and pressure relief excavation are proposed to improve the stability of the shaft, and a good effect is gained.
Comparison of Office and Field Techniques for Validating Landscape Change Classification in Pacific Northwest National Parks
Authors: Copass Catharine , Antonova Natalya , Kennedy Robert
Published: December 2018

We evaluated the feasibility of using aerial photo-based office methods rather than field-collected data to validate Landsat-based change detection products in national parks in Washington State. Landscape change was performed using LandTrendr algorithm. The resulting change patches were labeled in the office using aerial imagery and a random sample of patches was visited in the field by experienced analysts. Comparison of the two labels and associated confidence shows that the magnitude or severity of the change is a strong indicator of whether field assessment is warranted, and that confusion about patches with lower magnitude changes is not always resolved with a field visit. Our work demonstrates that validation of Landsat-derived landscape change patches can be done using office based tools such as aerial imagery, and that such methods provide an adequate validation for most change types, thus reducing the need for expensive field visits.
PZT/PZT and PZT/BiT Composite Piezo-Sensors in Aerospace SHM Applications: Photochemical Metal Organic + Infiltration Deposition and Characterization
Authors: Hoshyarmanesh Hamidreza , Ebrahimi Nafiseh , Jafari Amir , Hoshyarmanesh Parisa , Kim Minjae , Park Hyung-Ho
Published: December 2018

The composition of fine-ground lead zirconate-titanate powder Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3, suspended in PZT and bismuth titanate (BiT) solutions, is deposited on the curved surface of IN718 and IN738 nickel-based supper alloy substrates up to 100 µm thickness. Photochemical metal organic and infiltration techniques are implemented to produce smooth, semi-dense, and crack-free random orientated thick piezoelectric films as piezo-sensors, free of any dopants or thickening polymers. Every single layer of the deposited films is heated at 200 °C with 10 wt.% excess PbO, irradiated by ultraviolet lamp (365 nm, 6 watt) for 10 min, pyrolyzed at 400 °C, and subsequently annealed at 700 °C for one hour. This process is repeated successively until reaching the desired thickness. Au and Pt thin films are deposited as the bottom and top electrodes using evaporation and sputtering methods, respectively. PZT/PZT and PZT/BiT composite films are then characterized and compared to similar PZT and BiT thick films deposited on the similar substrates. The effect of the composition and deposition process is also investigated on the crystalline phase development and microstructure morphology as well as the dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of piezo-films. The maximum remnant polarization of Pr = 22.37 ± 0.01, 30.01 ± 0.01 µC/cm2, the permittivity of εr = 298 ± 3, 566 ± 5, and piezoelectric charge coefficient of d33 = 126, 148 m/V were measured versus the minimum coercive field of Ec = 50, 20 kV/cm for the PZT/PZT and PZT/BiT thick films, respectively. The thick film piezo-sensors are developed to be potentially used at frequency bandwidth of 1–5 MHz for rotary structural health monitoring and also in other industrial or medical applications as a transceiver.
Development of Body-Tissue Temperature-Control Transducer
Authors: Dumciene Audrone , Sipaviciene Saule
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to develop a transducer for non-invasive temperature measurement in deeper tissue layers during tissue cooling. Simulation of the temperature field distribution in human tissues and the transducer were done, and the influence of transducer structure and material properties were studied. Using simulation results, the experimental transducer was designed for temperature measurement in deeper tissue layers during cooling. The temperature measurements with the needle thermometer and the transducer were well correlated at both before tissue cooling r = 0.723 and after cooling r = 0.945, and the temperature difference was no more than ±0.2 °C.