bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contamination of Brush Seals by Oil and Salt and Its Impact on Rubbing and Hysteresis Behaviour
Authors: Hildebrandt Manuel , Schwitzke Corina , Bauer Hans-Jörg
Published: December 2019

The literature already contains some experimental, analytical and numerical investigations on the rubbing and hysteresis behaviour of brush seals. What the investigations have in common is that they were carried out with new and uncontaminated seals, or that such a condition was assumed. The influence of contamination has not been explicitly investigated yet. Particularly in stationary gas and steam turbines, foreign substances can accumulate on and in the bristle package during steady-state operation. In the case of a rubbing event with a contaminated brush seal, e.g., during shutdown of the machine, the process is not expected to be comparable to that assumed in the presence of a new, uncontaminated seal. The present paper is dedicated to the question of the influence of contamination on the total frictional power loss generated during rubbing and the distribution of heat fluxes in friction contact. For this purpose, rub tests with two seals were carried out on the brush seal test rig of the Institute of Thermal Turbomachinery (ITS) in new conditions. Subsequently, the sealing packages were contaminated with oil or a salt mixture. After the treatment, the rub tests were repeated and compared with the previous tests. In addition, stiffness measurements were used to assess the degree of contamination. A strong influence on the rubbing behaviour by the contamination was detected. Contamination causes the flexibility of the bristle package to be greatly reduced. As a result, especially at the beginning of the first measurements, the total power losses and rotor heat inputs are strongly increased. This flexibility is partly regained in the course of the measurements. As expected, contamination also influences the hysteresis behaviour of the seal. A highly increased leakage rate after rubbing could be observed, because the bristles remained close to their deflected positions. In the case of the salted seal, however, an improvement in the leakage performance could be observed after several repeat tests.
Do Grapholita funebrana Infestation Rely on Specific Plum Fruit Features?
Authors: Rizzo Roberto , Farina Vittorio , Saiano Filippo , Lombardo Alberto , Ragusa Ernesto , Lo Verde Gabriella
Published: December 2019

The effective control of the plum fruit moth, Grapholita funebrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) still represents a difficult challenge for organic plum farming. Little information is available on the susceptibility of plum cultivars to this moth pest. We investigated the roles of several fruit parameters (i.e., shape, volume, hardness, fruit colour, and physiochemical properties) on the susceptibility of four different plum cultivars (Angeleno, Friar, President and Stanley) to G. funebrana attack. Field data demonstrated the importance of some fruit parameters (i.e., elongation index, sugar degree, titratable acidity, cover colour percentage) on susceptibility to G. funebrana infestation. Under laboratory conditions, colour and shape had a significant role in determining the time spent on false fruits, i.e., female moths preferred yellow and rounded fruits over elongated red or green fruits. Angeleno (yellow and rounded fruits) and Stanley (green and elongated fruits) were the most and least susceptible cultivars, respectively. Overall, this study adds useful knowledge about plum cultivar susceptibility to G. funebrana. Information reported here may be useful to improve integrated pest management strategies both in conventional and organic orchards because the use of less susceptible cultivars may reduce insecticidal treatments, limiting the development of resistance in target insects and the harmful side effects on beneficial species.
Neoadjuvant Metformin Added to Systemic Therapy Decreases the Proliferative Capacity of Residual Breast Cancer
Authors: Lopez-Bonet Eugeni , Buxó Maria , Cuyàs Elisabet , Pernas Sonia , Dorca Joan , Álvarez Isabel , Martínez Susana , Pérez-Garcia Jose Manuel , Batista-López Norberto , Rodríguez-Sánchez César A. , Amillano Kepa , Domínguez Severina , Luque Maria , Morilla Idoia , Stradella Agostina , Viñas Gemma , Cortés Javier , Oliveras Gloria , Meléndez Cristina , Castillo Laura , Verdura Sara , Brunet Joan , Joven Jorge , Garcia Margarita , Saidani Samiha , Martin-Castillo Begoña , Menendez Javier A.
Published: December 2019

The proliferative capacity of residual breast cancer (BC) disease indicates the existence of partial treatment resistance and higher probability of tumor recurrence. We explored the therapeutic potential of adding neoadjuvant metformin as an innovative strategy to decrease the proliferative potential of residual BC cells in patients failing to achieve pathological complete response (pCR) after pre-operative therapy. We performed a prospective analysis involving the intention-to-treat population of the (Metformin and Trastuzumab in Neoadjuvancy) METTEN study, a randomized multicenter phase II trial of women with primary, non-metastatic (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) HER2-positive BC evaluating the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of oral metformin (850 mg twice-daily) for 24 weeks combined with anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy and trastuzumab (arm A) or equivalent regimen without metformin (arm B), before surgery. We centrally evaluated the proliferation marker Ki67 on sequential core biopsies using visual assessment (VA) and an (Food and Drug Administration) FDA-cleared automated digital image analysis (ADIA) algorithm. ADIA-based pre-operative values of high Ki67 (≥20%), but not those from VA, significantly predicted the occurrence of pCR in both arms irrespective of the hormone receptor status (p = 0.024 and 0.120, respectively). Changes in Ki67 in residual tumors of non-pCR patients were significantly higher in the metformin-containing arm (p = 0.025), with half of all patients exhibiting high Ki67 at baseline moving into the low-Ki67 (<20%) category after neoadjuvant treatment. By contrast, no statistically significant changes in Ki67 occurred in residual tumors of the control treatment arm (p = 0.293). There is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies aiming to provide the protective effects of decreasing Ki67 after neoadjuvant treatment even if pCR is not achieved. Metformin would be evaluated as a safe candidate to decrease the aggressiveness of residual disease after neoadjuvant (pre-operative) systemic therapy of BC patients.
Retinal Microperimetry: A Useful Tool for Detecting Insulin Resistance-Related Cognitive Impairment in Morbid Obesity
Authors: Ciudin Andreea , Ortiz Angel , Fidilio Enzamaria , Romero Diana , Sánchez Marta , Comas Marta , Gonzalez Oscar , Vilallonga Ramon , Simó-Servat Olga , Hernández Cristina , Simó Rafael
Published: December 2019

Background: There is clear association between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cognitive decline. Retinal microperimetry is a useful tool for detecting cognitive impairment in T2D. Morbid obesity (MO) has been associated with cognitive impairment. Insulin resistance (IR) seems a major determinant, but the data are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cognitive impairment in MO as well as the utility of retinal microperimetry in identifying these alterations. Methods: In total, 50 consecutive patients with MO were matched by age and gender with 30 healthy controls. All patients underwent cognitive evaluation (Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test-MoCA) and retinal microperimetry, using MAIA microperimeter 3rd generation. Retinal sensitivity and gaze fixation parameters were used for the evaluation of the analysis. Results: MO patients showed a significantly lower neurocognitive performance than the controls: MoCA score 24.94 ± 2.74 vs. 28.95 ± 1.05, p < 0.001. Cognitive function inversely correlated with the HOMA-IR (r = −0.402, p = 0.007). The AUROC for cognitive impairment using microperimetry was 0.807, CI 95% (0.592–0.947), p = 0.017. Conclusions: (1) Systemic insulin resistance is a major underlying mechanism accounting for the higher prevalence of cognitive impairment detected in young MO subjects. (2) Retinal microperimetry is a useful tool for identifying MO patients with cognitive impairment.
Influence of Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique on Peri-Implant Tissues; Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial with Three-Year Follow-Up. Part I: Hard Tissues
Authors: Agustín-Panadero Rubén , Bustamante-Hernández Naia , Solá-Ruíz María Fernanda , Zubizarreta-Macho Álvaro , Fons-Font Antonio , Fernández-Estevan Lucía
Published: December 2019

Purpose: The objective of this prospective randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to analyze and compare the clinical behavior of three types of prosthesis supported by single implants in the posterior region after three years functional loading. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five implants were divided into three groups according to the type of prosthetic restoration: screw-retained crown (Group GS); cemented crown without finishing line (biologically oriented preparation technique) (Group GBOPT); and conventional cemented crown with finishing line (Group GCC). The clinical behavior of each restoration type was analyzed after 3 years functional loading by analyzing radiographic peri-implant bone loss. Results: GBOPT obtained the least bone loss (p < 0.01) in comparison with GS and GCC. Conclusions: Bone loss around implants is related to the type of prosthetic restoration it supports, whereby cemented BOPT crowns present less bone loss.
A Humanized Bone Niche Model Reveals Bone Tissue Preservation Upon Targeting Mitochondrial Complex I in Pseudo-Orthotopic Osteosarcoma
Authors: Kurelac Ivana , Abarrategi Ander , Ragazzi Moira , Iommarini Luisa , Ganesh Nikkitha Umesh , Snoeks Thomas , Bonnet Dominique , Porcelli Anna Maria , Malanchi Ilaria , Gasparre Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

A cogent issue in cancer research is how to account for the effects of tumor microenvironment (TME) on the response to therapy, warranting the need to adopt adequate in vitro and in vivo models. This is particularly relevant in the development of strategies targeting cancer metabolism, as they will inevitably have systemic effects. For example, inhibition of mitochondrial complex I (CI), despite showing promising results as an anticancer approach, triggers TME-mediated survival mechanisms in subcutaneous osteosarcoma xenografts, a response that may vary according to whether the tumors are induced via subcutaneous injection or by intrabone orthotopic transplantation. Thus, with the aim to characterize the TME of CI-deficient tumors in a model that more faithfully represents osteosarcoma development, we set up a humanized bone niche ectopic graft. A prominent involvement of TME was revealed in CI-deficient tumors, characterized by the abundance of cancer associated fibroblasts, tumor associated macrophages and preservation of osteocytes and osteoblasts in the mineralized bone matrix. The pseudo-orthotopic approach allowed investigation of osteosarcoma progression in a bone-like microenvironment setting, without being invasive as the intrabone cell transplantation. Additionally, establishing osteosarcomas in a humanized bone niche model identified a peculiar association between targeting CI and bone tissue preservation.
Exercise Training Enhances Platelet Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hsu Chih-Chin , Tsai Hsing-Hua , Fu Tieh-Cheng , Wang Jong-Shyan
Published: December 2019

Exercise training (ET) may impact physical fitness by affecting mitochondrial functions. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of ET on aerobic capacity and platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics (MTB) in stroke patients. Among the 30 stroke patients who underwent the traditional rehabilitation program (TRP), 15 were randomly assigned to have ET (50–60% VO2peak for 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks), and those remaining received only the TRP (control group). The peak exercise capacity (VO2peak) and platelet MTB, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and the electron transport chain (ETC), were measured through automatic gas analysis and high-resolution respirometry, respectively. The results demonstrated that ET significantly increased the VO2peak (17.7%) and O2 uptake efficiency slope (31.9%) but decreased the ventilation versus CO2 production slope (−7.65%). Patients who underwent ET also had significantly enhanced platelet mitochondrial OXPHOS and ETC by activating the FADH2 (Complex II)-dependent pathway, but depressed plasma myeloperoxidase (−28.4%) and interleukin-6 levels (−29.9%). Moreover, changes in VO2peak levels were positively correlated with changes in platelet OXPHOS and ETC capacities. In conclusion, ET increases the platelet MTB by enhancing Complex II activity in stroke patients. The exercise regimen also enhances aerobic fitness and depresses oxidative stress/pro-inflammatory status in stroke patients.
Management of Immunosuppression in Kidney Transplant Recipients Who Develop Malignancy
Authors: Yang Danwen , Thamcharoen Natanong , Cardarelli Francesca
Published: December 2019

The risk of cancer increases after transplantation. However, the consensus on immunosuppression (IS) adjustment after diagnosis of malignancy is lacking. Our study aims to assess the impact of IS adjustment on mortality of post-kidney transplant patients and allograft outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the data in our center of 110 subjects. Our results showed IS dose adjustment was not statistically associated with mortality risk (HR 1.94, 95%CI 0.85–4.41, p = 0.12), and chemotherapy was the only factor that was significantly related to mortality (HR 2.3, 95%CI 1.21–4.35, p = 0.01). IS reduction was not statistically associated with worsening graft function (OR 3.8, 95%CI 0.77–18.71, p = 0.10), nor with graft survival (SHR 4.46, 95%CI 0.58–34.48, p = 0.15) after variables adjustment. Creatinine at cancer diagnosis and history of rejection were both negatively associated with graft survival (SHR 1.72, 95%CI 1.28–2.30, p < 0.01 and SHR 3.44, 95%CI 1.25–9.49, p = 0.02). Reduction of both mycophenolate and calcineurin inhibitors was associated with worsening graft function and lower graft survival in subgroup analysis (OR 6.14, 95%CI 1.14–33.15, p = 0.04; HR 17.97, 95%CI 1.81–178.78, p = 0.01). In summary, cancer causes high mortality and morbidity in kidney transplant recipients; the importance of cancer screening should be emphasized.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Cosentino Nicola , Genovese Stefano , Campodonico Jeness , Bonomi Alice , Lucci Claudia , Milazzo Valentina , Moltrasio Marco , Biondi Maria Luisa , Riggio Daniela , Veglia Fabrizio , Ceriani Roberto , Celentano Katia , De Metrio Monica , Rubino Mara , Bartorelli Antonio L. , Marenzi Giancarlo
Published: December 2019

Background. Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays a key role in acute kidney injury (AKI) pathogenesis. We explored the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and AKI in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods. We prospectively included 2,063 AMI patients in whom hs-CRP was measured at admission. AKI incidence and a clinical composite of in-hospital death, cardiogenic shock, and acute pulmonary edema were the study endpoints. Results. Two-hundred-thirty-four (11%) patients developed AKI. hs-CRP levels were higher in AKI patients (45 ± 87 vs. 16 ± 41 mg/L; p < 0.0001). The incidence and severity of AKI, as well as the rate of the composite endpoint, increased in parallel with hs-CRP quartiles (p for trend <0.0001 for all comparisons). A significant correlation was found between hs-CRP and the maximal increase of serum creatinine (R = 0.23; p < 0.0001). The AUC of hs-CRP for AKI prediction was 0.69 (p < 0.001). At reclassification analysis, addition of hs-CRP allowed to properly reclassify 14% of patients when added to creatinine and 8% of patients when added to a clinical model. Conclusions. In AMI, admission hs-CRP is closely associated with AKI development and severity, and with in-hospital outcomes. Future research should focus on whether prophylactic renal strategies in patients with high hs-CRP might prevent AKI and improve outcome.
Comments from the Editor of the Special Issue “Clinical Research on Diabetic Complications”
Authors: Mauricio Didac
Published: December 2019

With this Editorial, we are hereby presenting to the reader the Special Issue on “Clinical Research on Diabetic Complications”. Chronic complications of diabetes mellitus have a major impact on the life of subjects with the disease, resulting in decreased quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. This Special Issue includes contributions addressing different clinical aspects of the natural history, prevention and prediction, and characterization and management of diabetes-related complications.
Metabolic Alterations in Inherited Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Sacchetto Claudia , Sequeira Vasco , Bertero Edoardo , Dudek Jan , Maack Christoph , Calore Martina
Published: December 2019

The normal function of the heart relies on a series of complex metabolic processes orchestrating the proper generation and use of energy. In this context, mitochondria serve a crucial role as a platform for energy transduction by supplying ATP to the varying demand of cardiomyocytes, involving an intricate network of pathways regulating the metabolic flux of substrates. The failure of these processes results in structural and functional deficiencies of the cardiac muscle, including inherited cardiomyopathies. These genetic diseases are characterized by cardiac structural and functional anomalies in the absence of abnormal conditions that can explain the observed myocardial abnormality, and are frequently associated with heart failure. Since their original description, major advances have been achieved in the genetic and phenotype knowledge, highlighting the involvement of metabolic abnormalities in their pathogenesis. This review provides a brief overview of the role of mitochondria in the energy metabolism in the heart and focuses on metabolic abnormalities, mitochondrial dysfunction, and storage diseases associated with inherited cardiomyopathies.
Phase I/II Study of Docetaxel and S-1 in Previously-Treated Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: LOGIK0408
Authors: Takayama Koichi , Uchino Junji , Fujita Masaki , Tokunaga Shoji , Imanaga Tomotoshi , Morinaga Ryotaro , Ebi Noriyuki , Saeki Sho , Matsukizono Kazuya , Wataya Hiroshi , Yamada Tadaaki , Nakanishi Yoichi
Published: December 2019

Background: As docetaxel plus S-1 may be feasible for cancer treatment, we conducted a phase I/II trial to determine the recommended docetaxel dose and the fixed S-1 dose (phase I), as well as confirm the regimen’s efficacy and safety (phase II) for previously-treated patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Patients ≤75 years with performance status ≤1 and adequate organ function were treated at three-week intervals with docetaxel on day 1 and 80 mg/m2 oral S-1 from days 1–14. The starting docetaxel dose was 45 mg/m2 and this was escalated to a maximum of 70 mg/m2. In phase II, response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety were assessed. Results: The recommended doses were 50 mg/m2 docetaxel (day 1) and 80 mg/m2 S-1 (days 1–14). Grades 3 and 4 leukocytopenia and neutropenia occurred in 44% and 67% of patients, respectively. Nonhematologic toxicities were generally mild. Overall response to chemotherapy was 7.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6–20.9%), and median PFS and OS were 18.0 weeks (95% CI; 11.3–22.9 weeks) and 53.0 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: Fifty mg/m2 docetaxel plus 80 mg/m2 oral S-1 had a lower response rate than anticipated; however, the survival data were encouraging. A further investigation is warranted to select the optimal patient population.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Self-Burial Mechanism of Pipeline with Spoiler under Steady Flow Conditions
Authors: Lee Woo-Dong , Jo Hyo-Jae , Kim Han-Sol , Kang Min-Jun , Jung Kwang-Hyo , Hur Dong-Soo
Published: December 2019

Herein, hydraulic model experiments and numerical simulations were performed to understand the self-burial mechanism of subsea pipelines with spoilers under steady flow conditions. First, scour characteristics and self-burial functions according to the spoiler length-to-pipe diameter ratio (S/D) were investigated through hydraulic experiments. Further, the Navier–Stokes solver was verified. The experimental values of the velocity at the bottom of the pipeline with a spoiler and the pressure on the sand foundation where the pipeline rested were represented with the degree of conformity. Scour characteristics of a sand foundation were investigated from the numerical analysis results of the velocity and vorticity surrounding the pipelines with spoilers. The compilation of results from the hydraulic experiment and numerical analysis showed that the projected area increased when a spoiler was attached to the subsea pipes. This consequently increased the velocity of fluid leaving the top and bottom of the pipe, and high vorticity was formed within and above the sand foundation. This aggravated scouring at the pipe base and increased the top and bottom asymmetry of the dynamic pressure field, which developed a downward force on the pipeline. These two primary effects acting simultaneously under steady flow conditions explained the self-burial of pipelines with a spoiler attachment.
First-Principles Calculation of Transition Metal Hyperfine Coupling Constants with the Strongly Constrained and Appropriately Normed (SCAN) Density Functional and its Hybrid Variants
Authors: Pantazis Dimitrios A.
Published: December 2019

Density functional theory (DFT) is used extensively for the first-principles calculation of hyperfine coupling constants in both main-group and transition metal systems. As with many other properties, the performance of DFT for hyperfine coupling constants is of variable quality, particularly for transition metal complexes, because it strongly depends on the nature of the chemical system and the type of approximation to the exchange-correlation functional. Recently, a meta-generalized-gradient approximation (mGGA) functional was proposed that obeys all known exact constraints for such a method, known as the Strongly Constrained and Appropriately Normed (SCAN) functional. In view of its theoretically superior formulation a benchmark set of complexes is used to assess the performance of SCAN for the challenging case of transition metal hyperfine coupling constants. In addition, two global hybrid versions of the functional, SCANh and SCAN0, are described and tested. The values computed with the new functionals are compared with experiment and with those of other DFT approximations. Although the original SCAN and the SCAN-based hybrids may offer improved hyperfine coupling constants for specific systems, no uniform improvement is observed. On the contrary, there are specific cases where the new functionals fail badly due to a flawed description of the underlying electronic structure. Therefore, despite these methodological advances, systematically accurate and system-independent prediction of transition metal hyperfine coupling constants with DFT remains an unmet challenge.
Countably Expansiveness for Continuous Dynamical Systems
Authors: Lee Manseob , Oh Jumi
Published: December 2019

Expansiveness is very closely related to the stability theory of the dynamical systems. It is natural to consider various types of expansiveness such as countably-expansive, measure expansive, N-expansive, and so on. In this article, we introduce the new concept of countably expansiveness for continuous dynamical systems on a compact connected smooth manifold M by using the dense set D of M, which is different from the weak expansive flows. We establish some examples having the countably expansive property, and we prove that if a vector field X of M is C 1 stably countably expansive then it is quasi-Anosov.
Some Bicyclic Graphs Having 2 as Their Laplacian Eigenvalues
Authors: Farkhondeh Masoumeh , Habibi Mohammad , Mojdeh Doost Ali , Rao Yongsheng
Published: December 2019

If G is a graph, its Laplacian is the difference between the diagonal matrix of its vertex degrees and its adjacency matrix. A one-edge connection of two graphs G 1 and G 2 is a graph G = G 1 ⊙ u v G 2 with V ( G ) = V ( G 1 ) ∪ V ( G 2 ) and E ( G ) = E ( G 1 ) ∪ E ( G 2 ) ∪ { e = u v } where u ∈ V ( G 1 ) and v ∈ V ( G 2 ) . In this paper, we study some structural conditions ensuring the presence of 2 in the Laplacian spectrum of bicyclic graphs of type G 1 ⊙ u v G 2 . We also provide a condition under which a bicyclic graph with a perfect matching has a Laplacian eigenvalue 2. Moreover, we characterize the broken sun graphs and the one-edge connection of two broken sun graphs by their Laplacian eigenvalue 2.
Convergence Theorems of Variational Inequality for Asymptotically Nonexpansive Nonself Mapping in CAT(0) Spaces
Authors: Kim Kyung Soo
Published: December 2019

The aim of this manuscript is to get the strong convergence theorems of the Moudafi’s viscosity approximation methods for an asymptotically nonexpansive nonself mapping in C A T ( 0 ) spaces.
Fucoxanthin Alleviates Oxidative Stress through Akt/Sirt1/FoxO3α Signaling to Inhibit HG-Induced Renal Fibrosis in GMCs
Authors: Yang Guanyu , Jin Lin , Zheng Dongxiao , Tang Xiaoliang , Yang Junwei , Fan Lingxuan , Xie Xi
Published: December 2019

As one of the main marine carotenoids, fucoxanthin has strong antioxidant activity. FoxO3α, a member of the forkhead box O family of transcription factors, plays an important role in DN by regulating oxidative stress. The activity of FoxO3α is related to its phosphorylation and acetylation status, regulated by Akt and Sirt1, a lysine deacetylase. Our study aimed to investigate whether fucoxanthin could alleviate oxidative stress and fibrosis via FoxO3α in DN and whether Akt and Sirt1 were involved. We found that in GMCs cultured in HG, fucoxanthin treatment significantly reduced the expression of FN and collagen IV, as well as reactive oxygen species generation, suggesting that fucoxanthin is beneficial to alleviate both fibrosis and oxidative stress in DN. In addition, we found that fucoxanthin decreased the phosphorylation and acetylation level of FoxO3α, reversed the protein level of FoxO3α inhibited by HG, and then promoted the nuclear transport of FoxO3α. Besides, fucoxanthin promoted the expression of manganese superoxide dismutase, a downstream target of FoxO3α. Furthermore, we found that fucoxanthin reversed the activation of Akt and inhibition of Sirt1. However, the enhancement of fucoxanthin in FoxO3α expression and nuclear transport was significantly decreased by pretreatment with Akt activator SC79 or Sirt1 inhibitor EX527. In summary, our study explored fucoxanthin alleviated oxidative stress and fibrosis induced by HG through Akt/Sirt1/FoxO3α signaling in GMCs, suggesting fucoxanthin is a potential therapeutic strategy for DN.
Cytomegalovirus Seropositivity and Suicidal Behavior: A Mini-Review
Authors: Paolini Marco , Lester David , Hawkins Michael , Hawkins-Villarreal Ameth , Erbuto Denise , Fiorillo Andrea , Pompili Maurizio
Published: December 2019

Background and objectives: In recent years, a growing body of research has focused on identifying possible biological markers for suicidal behavior, including infective and immunological markers. In this paper, our aim was to review available evidence concerning the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and suicide. Materials and Methods: A systematic search according to the PRISMA statement was performed on Pubmed. After the screening procedure, we identified five relevant papers. Results: We found inconsistent evidence linking CMV infection and suicide, with some papers reporting an association between CMV seropositivity and suicidal behavior, and others not finding the association. Conclusions: With the evidence available presently, it is not possible to infer whether there is a correlation between suicide and CMV infection.
Process Optimization on Multilayer Morphology During 316L Double-wire CMT+P Deposition Process
Authors: Wu Wei , Xue Jiaxiang , Zhang Zhanhui , Ren Xianghui , Xie Bin
Published: December 2019

Cold metal transfer (CMT) has been widely used in metal additive manufacturing for its low heat input, less splashing and high efficiency. Wire feeding speed and travelling speed are important processes that affect morphology in CMT deposition. This study optimized the forming process of 30-layer stainless-steel part deposited by double-wire and double-arc CMT plus pulse (CMT+P) process, and investigated the effect of the ratio of wire feeding speed to travelling speed on deposition morphology. The results show that asynchronous arc striking and extinguishing can improve the forming. Moreover, the deposition molding is affected by the interaction of heat input and heat accumulation. With the similar ratio of wire feeding speed to travelling speed and the similar heat input, increasing the wire feeding speed can increase the heat accumulation and the width of sample, and decrease the height. The optimum process interval of wire feeding speed to travelling speed ratio and heat input is 3.9–4.2 and 70–74.8 J/mm, respectively. Although the increasing heat accumulation makes grain coarse and slight decreases mechanical property, the highest deposition rate can be up to 5.4 kg/h, when wire feeding speed and travelling speed are 5 m/min and 120 cm/min, respectively, and the tensile strength and elongation rate of which can reach the basic standard requirements for stainless-steel forgings.
Microstructure and Tensile Properties of AlSi10Mg Alloy Manufactured by Multi-Laser Beam Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Kuai Zezhou , Bai Peikang , Nie Yunfei , Fu Guang , Liu Wenpeng , Yang Shuai
Published: December 2019

The multi-beam selective laser forming system is a new type of powder bed laser forming equipment that is different from single-laser selective laser melting (SLM) printers. It is a new generation for a metal powder material moulding process that has high efficiency, large size and batch manufacturing. It is a new development of a powder bed laser forming process trend. In this paper, the microstructure and tensile properties of both the multi-laser-formed AlSi10Mg isolated and overlap areas are studied to ensure that the parts can achieve perfect seamless splicing and to identify whether the parts in different regions have the same performance. It was discovered that as the number of scans increases, the depth and width of the melt pool and microscopic grain structure in the overlap zone increase. The preferential crystallite growth orientation reaches the (200) plane. A small amount of smooth surface appeared at the fracture of the overlap area of the two scans, the dimples were reduced and the structure became larger, resulting in a decrease in tensile properties.
Metabolomics of Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumors and Related Hepatic Metastases
Authors: Imperiale Alessio , Poncet Gilles , Addeo Pietro , Ruhland Elisa , Roche Colette , Battini Stephanie , Cicek A. Ercument , Chenard Marie Pierrette , Hervieu Valérie , Goichot Bernard , Bachellier Philippe , Walter Thomas , Namer Izzie Jacques
Published: December 2019

To assess the metabolomic fingerprint of small intestine neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs) and related hepatic metastases, and to investigate the influence of the hepatic environment on SI-NETs metabolome. Ninety-four tissue samples, including 46 SI-NETs, 18 hepatic NET metastases and 30 normal SI and liver samples, were analyzed using 1H-magic angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Twenty-seven metabolites were identified and quantified. Differences between primary NETs vs. normal SI and primary NETs vs. hepatic metastases, were assessed. Network analysis was performed according to several clinical and pathological features. Succinate, glutathion, taurine, myoinositol and glycerophosphocholine characterized NETs. Normal SI specimens showed higher levels of alanine, creatine, ethanolamine and aspartate. PLS-DA revealed a continuum-like distribution among normal SI, G1-SI-NETs and G2-SI-NETs. The G2-SI-NET distribution was closer and clearly separated from normal SI tissue. Lower concentration of glucose, serine and glycine, and increased levels of choline-containing compounds, taurine, lactate and alanine, were found in SI-NETs with more aggressive tumors. Higher abundance of acetate, succinate, choline, phosphocholine, taurine, lactate and aspartate discriminated liver metastases from normal hepatic parenchyma. Higher levels of alanine, ethanolamine, glycerophosphocholine and glucose was found in hepatic metastases than in primary SI-NETs. The present work gives for the first time a snapshot of the metabolomic characteristics of SI-NETs, suggesting the existence of complex metabolic reality, maybe characteristic of different tumor evolution.
Transmission Network of Deer-Borne Mycobacterium bovis Infection Revealed by a WGS Approach
Authors: Michelet Lorraine , Conde Cyril , Branger Maxime , Cochard Thierry , Biet Franck , Boschiroli Maria Laura
Published: December 2019

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic disease, mainly caused by Mycobacterium bovis. France was declared officially TB free in 2001, however, the disease persists in livestock and wildlife. Among wild animals, deer are particularly susceptible to bovine TB. Here, a whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis was performed on strains with the same genetic profile—spoligotype SB0121, Multiple Loci VNTR Analysis (MLVA) 6 4 5 3 11 2 5 7—isolated from different types of outbreaks, including from deer or cattle herds, or zoological or hunting parks where the presence of infected deer was a common trait in most of them. The results of the phylogeny based on the SNP calling shows that two sub-clusters co-exist in France, one related to deer bred to be raised as livestock, and the other to hunting parks and zoos. The persistence over almost 30 years of sporadic cases due to strains belonging to these clusters highlights the deficiency in the surveillance of captive wildlife and the need for better monitoring of animals, especially before movement between parks or herds.
A New Mineral Ferrisanidine, K[Fe3+Si3O8], the First Natural Feldspar with Species-Defining Iron
Authors: Shchipalkina Nadezhda , Pekov Igor , Britvin Sergey , Koshlyakova Natalia , Vigasina Marina , Sidorov Evgeny
Published: December 2019

Ferrisanidine, K[Fe3+Si3O8], the first natural feldspar with species-defining iron, is an analogue of sanidine bearing Fe3+ instead of Al. It was found in exhalations of the active Arsenatnaya fumarole at the Second scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Fissure Tolbachik Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. The associated minerals are aegirine, cassiterite, hematite, sylvite, halite, johillerite, arsmirandite, axelite, aphthitalite. Ferrisanidine forms porous crusts composed by cavernous short prismatic crystals or irregular grains up to 10 μm × 20 μm. Ferrisanidine is transparent, colorless to white, the lustre is vitreous. Dcalc is 2.722 g·cm−3. The chemical composition of ferrisanidine (wt. %, electron microprobe) is: Na2O 0.25, K2O 15.15, Al2O3 0.27, Fe2O3 24.92, SiO2 60.50, in total 101.09. The empirical formula calculated based on 8 O apfu is (K0.97Na0.03)Ʃ1.00(Si3.03Fe3+0.94Al0.02)Ʃ3.99O8. The crystal structure of ferrisanidine was studied using the Rietveld method, the final R indices are: Rp = 0.0053, Rwp = 0.0075, R1 = 0.0536. Parameters of the monoclinic unit cell are: a = 8.678(4), b = 13.144(8), c = 7.337(5) Å, β = 116.39(8)°, V = 749.6(9) Å3. Space group is C2/m. The crystal structure of ferrisanidine is based on the sanidine-type “ferrisilicate” framework formed by disordered [SiO4] and [Fe3+O4] tetrahedra.
New Insight into the Genetic Mechanism of Shear Zone Type Gold Deposits from Muping-Rushan Metallogenic Belt (Jiaodong Peninsula of Eastern China)
Authors: Cheng Nannan , Hou Quanlin , Shi Mengyan , He Miao , Liu Qing , Yan Fangchao , Liu Hongwei
Published: December 2019

Most gold deposits are genetically controlled by shear zones, which are called shear zone type gold deposits (SZTGD). A better understanding of kinematics of shear zones and its constraint on the ore-forming process is critical to reveal the genetic mechanism of the SZTGD and favorable to mineral exploration. By conducting detailed structural analysis including field and microscopic observations and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and fractal dimension analysis in the Muping-Rushan shear zone (MR) as well as several gold deposits, the kinematic characteristics of the MR are well recognized and the metallogenic process of the SZTGD are discussed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) petrology, geometry, kinematics, macro- and micro-structures imply that the MR has experienced a progressive shearing history exhumed via middle crust to subsurface level under the NW-SE extensional regime from late Jurassic to early Cretaceous; (2) in the MR, gold may precipitate both in the brittle fractures at middle crust level and brittle deformation part at shallow crust level during the stress-chemical process and (3) comparison of gold deposits between the MR and other areas show that the SZTGD has a uniform metallogenic mechanism, which is from (multi-stage) pluton emplacement, hydrothermal fluid action, shearing action, brittle fracturing, sudden reduction of fluid pressure, flash vaporization to (gold) mineralization.
Implications of Sulfur Speciation on the Assessment of Acid Rock Drainage Generating Potential: A Study of South African Coal Processing Wastes
Authors: Moyo Annah , Amaral Filho Juarez R. do , T.L. Harrison Susan , Broadhurst Jennifer L.
Published: December 2019

The presence of sulfur in coal processing wastes can lead to environmental impacts, such as acid rock drainage (ARD). However, not all sulfur species are acid-forming, and the implications of sulfur speciation when assessing acid rock drainage potential by means of static chemical tests are not well understood. This study set out to evaluate the implications of different sulfur forms on the assessment of acid rock drainage potential using static laboratory-scale tests and to investigate the reliability of methods for the analysis of such forms for the case of three South African coal processing wastes. Both the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 157:1996 and Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) C15034 protocols were found to be suitable tools for analyzing the different forms of sulfur. Acid-generating sulfur forms constituted between 53% and 64% of the total sulfur in the wastes evaluated, with the maximum potential acidity (MPA) and net acid-producing potential (NAPP) values calculated on the basis of acid-forming sulfur being significantly lower than those calculated on the basis of total sulfur content. Results also showed that the partial conversion of sulfur species under the relatively aggressive conditions of the acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) and net acid generation (NAG) tests may overestimate the potential acid generating potential in the case of coal. These findings highlight the uncertainties associated with standard ARD static tests and the importance of taking sulfur speciation into account when calculating the MPA for coal processing wastes.
Using DosiVox to Reconstruct Radiation Transport through Complex Archaeological Environments
Authors: Hood Amber G.E. , Highcock Edmund G.
Published: December 2019

The DosiVox programme is used to reconstruct radiation transport in complex depositional environments. Using two archaeological case studies from ancient Egypt, the burial environments for a selection of ceramic vessels are reconstructed using the DosiVox programme, allowing the simulation of the emission and transport of radiation throughout these burial environments. From this simulation we can extract the external dose rate of the archaeological samples, a measurement necessary for determine a luminescence age. We describe in detail how DosiVox can be used to best advantage at sites with complex depositional histories and highlight that DosiVox is a valuable tool in luminescence dating. This work illustrates that DosiVox is, at present, unparalleled in reconstructing a more accurate and detailed external gamma dose rate which can significantly improve upon simplistic scaled geometric models.
Guidelines for Selecting Interlayer Spacers in Synthetic 2D-Based Antiferromagnets from First-Principles Simulations
Authors: Cuadrado Ramón , Pruneda Miguel
Published: December 2019

Following the recent synthesis of graphene–based antiferromagnetic ultrathin heterostructures made of Co and Fe, we analyse the effect of the spacer between both ferromagnetic materials. Using density functional calculations, we carried out an exhaustive study of the geometric, electronic and magnetic properties for intercalated single Co MLs on top of Ir(111) coupled to monolayered Fe through n graphene layers (n = 1, 2, 3) or monolayered h-BN. Different local atomic arrangements have been considered to model the Moiré patterns expected in these heterostructures. The magnetic exchange interactions between both ferromagnets ( J C o − F e ) are computed from explicit calculations of parallel and anti-parallel Fe/Co inter–layer alignments, and discussed in the context of recent experiments. Our analysis confirms that the robust antiferromagnetic superexchange–coupling between Fe and Co layers is mediated by the graphene spacer through the hybridization of C’s p z orbitals with Fe and Co’s 3d states. The hybridization is substantially suppressed for multilayered graphene spacers, for which the magnetic coupling between ferromagnets is critically reduced, suggesting the need for ultrathin (monolayer) spacers in the design of synthetic graphene-based antiferromagnets. In the case of h–BN, p z orbitals also mediate d(Fe/Co) coupling. However, there is a larger contribution of local ferromagnetic interactions. Magnetic anisotropy energies were also calculated using a fully relativistic description, and show out–of–plane easy axis for all the configurations, with remarkable net values in the range from 1 to 4 meV.
Quantification of Carbon Nanotube Doses in Adherent Cell Culture Assays Using UV-VIS-NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Septiadi Dedy , Rodriguez-Lorenzo Laura , Balog Sandor , Spuch-Calvar Miguel , Spiaggia Giovanni , Taladriz-Blanco Patricia , Barosova Hana , Chortarea Savvina , Clift Martin J. D. , Teeguarden Justin , Sharma Monita , Petri-Fink Alke , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara
Published: December 2019

The overt hazard of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is often assessed using in vitro methods, but determining a dose–response relationship is still a challenge due to the analytical difficulty of quantifying the dose delivered to cells. An approach to accurately quantify CNT doses for submerged in vitro adherent cell culture systems using UV-VIS-near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is provided here. Two types of multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs), Mitsui-7 and Nanocyl, which are dispersed in protein rich cell culture media, are studied as tested materials. Post 48 h of CNT incubation, the cellular fractions are subjected to microwave-assisted acid digestion/oxidation treatment, which eliminates biological matrix interference and improves CNT colloidal stability. The retrieved oxidized CNTs are analyzed and quantified using UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy. In vitro imaging and quantification data in the presence of human lung epithelial cells (A549) confirm that up to 85% of Mitsui-7 and 48% for Nanocyl sediment interact (either through internalization or adherence) with cells during the 48 h of incubation. This finding is further confirmed using a sedimentation approach to estimate the delivered dose by measuring the depletion profile of the CNTs.
N-Doped Modified Graphene/Fe2O3 Nanocomposites as High-Performance Anode Material for Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Chen Yaowu , Guo Zhu , Jian Bangquan , Zheng Cheng , Zhang Haiyan
Published: December 2019

Sodium-ion storage devices have received widespread attention because of their abundant sodium resources, low cost and high energy density, which verges on lithium-ion storage devices. Electrochemical redox reactions of metal oxides offer a new approach to construct high-capacity anodes for sodium-ion storage devices. However, the poor rate performance, low Coulombic efficiency, and undesirable cycle stability of the redox conversion anodes remain a huge challenge for the practical application of sodium ion energy storage devices due to sluggish kinetics and irreversible structural change of most conversion anodes during cycling. Herein, a nitrogen-doping graphene/Fe2O3 (N-GF-300) composite material was successfully prepared as a sodium-ion storage anode for sodium ion batteries and sodium ion supercapacitors through a water bath and an annealing process, where Fe2O3 nanoparticles with a homogenous size of about 30 nm were uniformly anchored on the graphene nanosheets. The nitrogen-doping graphene structure enhanced the connection between Fe2O3 nanoparticles with graphene nanosheets to improve electrical conductivity and buffer the volume change of the material for high capacity and stable cycle performance. The N-GF-300 anode material delivered a high reversible discharge capacity of 638 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 and retained 428.3 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 100 cycles, indicating a strong cyclability of the SIBs. The asymmetrical N-GF-300//graphene SIC exhibited a high energy density and power density with 58 Wh kg−1 at 1365 W kg−1 in organic solution. The experimental results from this work clearly illustrate that the nitrogen-doping graphene/Fe2O3 composite material N-GF-300 is a potential feasibility for sodium-ion storage devices, which further reveals that the nitrogen doping approach is an effective technique for modifying carbon matrix composites for high reaction kinetics during cycles in sodium-ion storage devices and even other electrochemical storage devices.
Vegetarian Diet during Pregnancy Is Not Associated with Poorer Cognitive Performance in Children at Age 6–7 Years
Authors: Crozier Sarah R. , Godfrey Keith M. , Calder Philip C. , Robinson Sian M. , Inskip Hazel M. , Baird Janis , Gale Catharine R. , Cooper Cyrus , Sibbons Charlene M. , Fisk Helena L. , Burdge Graham C.
Published: December 2019

Compared with omnivorous mothers, vegetarian mothers have lower intakes of some nutrients required for neurological development. However, there is a lack of information about the impact of vegetarianism during pregnancy on subsequent cognitive function in children. The aim of this study was to investigate whether vegetarianism during pregnancy is associated with altered maternal nutritional status and with cognitive function in children at six to seven years of age. Women aged 20–34 years participating in a prospective observational study who provided dietary data and blood samples in early pregnancy (11 weeks; 78 vegetarians and 2144 omnivores) or late pregnancy (34 weeks; 91 vegetarians and 2552 omnivores). Compared with omnivorous women, vegetarian women had lower blood concentrations of arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and cobalamin in early and late pregnancy. Vegetarianism in pregnancy was linked to higher maternal educational attainment, longer breastfeeding duration, lower incidence of smoking during pregnancy and a tendency towards higher IQ in the mothers. Concentrations of some nutrients required for neurodevelopment were lower in maternal blood during gestation; however, after controlling for confounders consuming a vegetarian diet during pregnancy was not associated with poorer neurocognitive development of the children in this study.