bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Connexin Gap Junctions and Hemichannels by Calcium and Calcium Binding Protein Calmodulin
Authors: Hu Zhengping , Riquelme Manuel A. , Gu Sumin , Jiang Jean X.
Published: November 2020

Connexins are the structural components of gap junctions and hemichannels that mediate the communication and exchange of small molecules between cells, and between the intracellular and extracellular environment, respectively. Connexin (Cx) 46 is predominately expressed in lens fiber cells, where they function in maintaining the homeostasis and transparency of the lens. Cx46 mutations are associated with impairment of channel function, which results in the development of congenital cataracts. Cx46 gap junctions and hemichannels are closely regulated by multiple mechanisms. Key regulators of Cx46 channel function include Ca2+ and calmodulin (CaM). Ca2+ plays an essential role in lens homeostasis, and its dysregulation causes cataracts. Ca2+ associated CaM is a well-established inhibitor of gap junction coupling. Recent studies suggest that elevated intracellular Ca2+ activates Cx hemichannels in lens fiber cells and Cx46 directly interacts with CaM. A Cx46 site mutation (Cx46-G143R), which is associated with congenital Coppock cataracts, shows an increased Cx46-CaM interaction and this interaction is insensitive to Ca2+, given that depletion of Ca2+ reduces the interaction between CaM and wild-type Cx46. Moreover, inhibition of CaM function greatly reduces the hemichannel activity in the Cx46 G143R mutant. These research findings suggest a new regulatory mechanism by which enhanced association of Cx46 with CaM leads to the increase in hemichannel activity and dysregulation may lead to cataract development. In this review, we will first discuss the involvement of Ca2+/CaM in lens homeostasis and pathology, and follow by providing a general overview of Ca2+/CaM in the regulation of Cx46 gap junctions. We discuss the most recent studies concerning the molecular mechanism of Ca2+/CaM in regulating Cx46 hemichannels. Finally, we will offer perspectives of the impacts of Ca2+/CaM and dysregulation on Cx46 channels and vice versa.
Pathogenic Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Autophagy-Related Genes
Authors: Tamargo-Gómez Isaac , Fernández Álvaro F. , Mariño Guillermo
Published: November 2020

In recent years, the study of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has gained increasing importance in biomedical research, as they can either be at the molecular origin of a determined disorder or directly affect the efficiency of a given treatment. In this regard, sequence variations in genes involved in pro-survival cellular pathways are commonly associated with pathologies, as the alteration of these routes compromises cellular homeostasis. This is the case of autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved pathway that counteracts extracellular and intracellular stressors by mediating the turnover of cytosolic components through lysosomal degradation. Accordingly, autophagy dysregulation has been extensively described in a wide range of human pathologies, including cancer, neurodegeneration, or inflammatory alterations. Thus, it is not surprising that pathogenic gene variants in genes encoding crucial effectors of the autophagosome/lysosome axis are increasingly being identified. In this review, we present a comprehensive list of clinically relevant SNPs in autophagy-related genes, highlighting the scope and relevance of autophagy alterations in human disease.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors as Multitarget-Directed Epi-Drugs in Blocking PI3K Oncogenic Signaling: A Polypharmacology Approach
Authors: Ranganna Kasturi , Selvam Chelliah , Shivachar Amruthesh , Yousefipour Zivar
Published: November 2020

Genetic mutations and aberrant epigenetic alterations are the triggers for carcinogenesis. The emergence of the drugs targeting epigenetic aberrations has provided a better outlook for cancer treatment. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic modifiers playing critical roles in numerous key biological functions. Inappropriate expression of HDACs and dysregulation of PI3K signaling pathway are common aberrations observed in human diseases, particularly in cancers. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are a class of epigenetic small-molecular therapeutics exhibiting promising applications in the treatment of hematological and solid malignancies, and in non-neoplastic diseases. Although HDACIs as single agents exhibit synergy by inhibiting HDAC and the PI3K pathway, resistance to HDACIs is frequently encountered due to activation of compensatory survival pathway. Targeted simultaneous inhibition of both HDACs and PI3Ks with their respective inhibitors in combination displayed synergistic therapeutic efficacy and encouraged the development of a single HDAC-PI3K hybrid molecule via polypharmacology strategy. This review provides an overview of HDACs and the evolution of HDACs-based epigenetic therapeutic approaches targeting the PI3K pathway.
Chemical Space Exploration of Oxetanes
Authors: Alves Fernando Rodrigues de Sá , Couñago Rafael M. , Laufer Stefan
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on new derivatives bearing an oxetane group to extend accessible chemical space for further identification of kinase inhibitors. The ability to modulate kinase activity represents an important therapeutic strategy for the treatment of human illnesses. Known as a nonclassical isoster of the carbonyl group, due to its high polarity and great ability to function as an acceptor of hydrogen bond, oxetane seems to be an attractive and underexplored structural motif in medicinal chemistry.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of a Monumental Masonry Building
Authors: De Angelis Alessandra , Maddaloni Giuseppe , Pecce Maria Rosaria
Published: November 2020

Recent seismic events that hit the central part of Italy have highlighted again the high vulnerability of the historical and architectonical heritage of Italy and the importance of preserving it. However, the seismic assessment of monumental buildings is particularly complex because each historical construction is a singular case realized by specific techniques. Therefore, the first step should be the knowledge of the building even if it is a difficult task. In the present paper, the seismic behavior of an important nineteenth century astronomical observatory, constructed between 1816 and 1819, was investigated. The building, located in Naples, in the southern part of Italy, and classified by the Italian code as an area of medium seismic hazard, was analyzed in the elastic and inelastic range under seismic actions. In this study, the results of two different models were proposed and critically compared. The first one was implemented by shell elements for walls and vaults developing a linear dynamic analysis, while the second one simulates the building through “equivalent frames” applying a nonlinear static analysis.
Assessment of D-Shaped Annulus of Mitral Valve in Patients with Severe MR Using Semi-Automated 4-Dimensional Analysis: Implications for Transcatheter Interventions
Authors: Vo N. Mai , van Wijngaarden Suzanne E. , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Bax Jeroen J. , Delgado Victoria
Published: November 2020

The development of transcatheter mitral valve replacement therapies requires accurate post-processing analysis tools to provide D-shaped mitral annulus dimensions from 3-dimensional (3D) data. The agreement between two semi-automated, software packages to process 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) data for the measurement of the mitral valve annulus dimensions was evaluated. 3DTEE data of patients with moderate–severe mitral regurgitation (MR) were postprocessed with semi-automated, vendor-independent (VI) software and vendor-specific (VS) software. Both post-processing software provided key measurements for the selection of transcatheter valve prosthesis size: annulus area, annulus circumference and the septal-to-lateral distance of the annulus. The intertrigonal distance was provided only by the VS software. The inter- and intra-observer agreements were assessed with Bland–Altman analysis. Of 105 patients (63.8 ± 11 years, 66% male) with MR, 28 had secondary MR, 45 fibroelastic deficiency, and 32 Barlow’s disease. Using VS software, the dimensions for the overall population were 16.1 ± 4.6 cm2 for annulus area, for circumference 14.4 ± 1.9 cm, intertrigonal distance 3.4 ± 0.5 cm and septal-to-lateral distance 3.8 ± 0.6 cm. Similar dimensions were obtained using VI software: 15.7 ± 4.6 cm2 for annulus area, 14.5 ± 2.0 cm for circumference, and 4.1 ± 0.6 cm for septal-to-lateral distance. The inter- and intra-observer agreement for both software programs was excellent. In conclusion, current post-processing software programs for 3DTEE data of the mitral valve annulus provide good reproducibility of key measurements to select the transcatheter prosthesis size.
Hyperphosphatemia Drives Procoagulant Microvesicle Generation in the Rat Partial Nephrectomy Model of CKD
Authors: Abbasian Nima , Goodall Alison H. , Burton James O. , Bursnall Debbie , Bevington Alan , Brunskill Nigel J.
Published: November 2020

Hyperphosphatemia has been proposed as a cardiovascular risk factor, contributing to long-term vascular calcification in hyperphosphatemic Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. However, more recent studies have also demonstrated acute effects of inorganic phosphate (Pi) on endothelial cells in vitro, especially generation of pro-coagulant endothelial microvesicles (MV). Hitherto, such direct effects of hyperphosphatemia have not been reported in vivo. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to three experimental groups: (1) CKD induced by partial nephrectomy receiving high (1.2%) dietary phosphorus; (2) CKD receiving low (0.2%) dietary phosphorus; and (3) sham-operated controls receiving 1.2% phosphorus. After 14 days the animals were sacrificed and plasma MVs counted by nanoparticle tracking analysis. MVs isolated by centrifugation were assayed for pro-coagulant activity by calibrated automated thrombography, and relative content of endothelium-derived MVs was assessed by anti-CD144 immunoblotting. When compared with sham controls, high phosphorus CKD rats were shown to be hyperphosphatemic (4.11 ± 0.23 versus 2.41 ± 0.22 mM Pi, p < 0.0001) with elevated total plasma MVs (2.24 ± 0.37 versus 1.31 ± 0.24 × 108 per ml, p < 0.01), showing increased CD144 expression (145 ± 25% of control value, p < 0.0001), and enhanced procoagulant activity (18.06 ± 1.75 versus 4.99 ± 1.77 nM peak thrombin, p < 0.0001). These effects were abolished in the low phosphorus CKD group. In this rat model, hyperphosphatemia (or a Pi-dependent hormonal response derived from it) is sufficient to induce a marked increase in circulating pro-coagulant MVs, demonstrating an important link between hyperphosphatemia and thrombotic risk in CKD.
Variables Associated with Short-Term Weight Loss in a Cohort of Patients with Morbid Obesity According to Age and Three Types of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Alvarez-Bermudez Maria D. , Martin-Reyes Flores , Ocaña-Wilhelmi Luis , Moreno-Ruiz Francisco J. , Torres Juan Alcaide , Fernandez-Garcia Diego , Valdes Sergio , Moreno-Morales Noelia , Garcia-Fuentes Eduardo , Tinahones Francisco J. , Garrido-Sanchez Lourdes
Published: November 2020

Background The percentage of excess weight lost (%EWL) after bariatric surgery (BS) shows great discrepancies from one individual to another. Objective To evaluate the %EWL one year after BS and to determine the existence of baseline biomarkers associated with weight loss. Methods We studied 329 patients with morbid obesity undergoing three types of BS (biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG)), depending on the %EWL one year after surgery: good responders (GR) (%EWL ≥ 50%) and non-responders (NR) (%EWL < 50%). Results The GR presented a higher percentage of change in anthropometric and biochemical variables compared to the NR group, even within each type of BS. There was a greater percentage of GR among those who underwent RYGB. The patients who underwent SG showed the lowest decrease in biochemical variables, both in GR and NR. Within the GR group, those with a lower age showed greater improvement compared to the other age groups. A %EWL ≥50% was negatively associated with the age and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and positively with the type of BS (RYGB). Conclusions The GR group was associated with lower age and AIP and undergoing RYGB. Additionally, those patients who underwent SG showed a lower metabolic improvement.
A Force-Balanced Fiber Retardation Model to Predict Fiber-Matrix-Separation during Polymer Processing
Authors: Kuhn Christoph , Wehler Simon
Published: November 2020

The use of discontinuous fiber reinforced composites in injection and compression molding faces a number of challenges regarding process-induced changes in microstructure, which have a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the final component. The changes in final microstructure are caused by complex fiber movements, such as fiber orientation, attrition and accumulation during flow. While there are existing phenomenological prediction models for both fiber orientation and attrition, the prediction of fiber accumulation due to fiber-matrix separation is currently only possible with a complex mechanistic particle simulation, which is not applicable in industrial simulations. A simplified phenomenological model, the fiber retardation model (FRM), for the prediction of fiber-matrix separation in commercially available software tools is presented in this paper. The model applies a force balance onto an interacting two phase flow of polymer melt and fiber phase and applies a retardation factor Κ to calculate the slowing and accumulation of the fiber phase. The general model is successfully applied to a simple compression molding simulation.
An Overview of the Use of Equine Collagen as Emerging Material for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Gallo Nunzia , Natali Maria Lucia , Sannino Alessandro , Salvatore Luca
Published: November 2020

Type I collagen has always aroused great interest in the field of life-science and bioengineering, thanks to its favorable structural properties and bioactivity. For this reason, in the last five decades it has been widely studied and employed as biomaterial for the manufacture of implantable medical devices. Commonly used sources of collagen are represented by bovine and swine but their applications are limited because of the zoonosis transmission risks, the immune response and the religious constrains. Thus, type-I collagen isolated from horse tendon has recently gained increasing interest as an attractive alternative, so that, although bovine and porcine derived collagens still remain the most common ones, more and more companies started to bring to market a various range of equine collagen-based products. In this context, this work aims to overview the properties of equine collagen making it particularly appealing in medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as well as its main biomedical applications and the currently approved equine collagen-based medical devices, focusing on experimental studies and clinical trials of the last 15 years. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review focusing on the use of equine collagen, as well as on equine collagen-based marketed products for healthcare.
Rezafungin—Mechanisms of Action, Susceptibility and Resistance: Similarities and Differences with the Other Echinocandins
Authors: Garcia-Effron Guillermo
Published: November 2020

Rezafungin (formerly CD101) is a new β-glucan synthase inhibitor that is chemically related with anidulafungin. It is considered the first molecule of the new generation of long-acting echinocandins. It has several advantages over the already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) echinocandins as it has better tissue penetration, better pharmacokinetic/phamacodynamic (PK/PD) pharmacometrics, and a good safety profile. It is much more stable in solution than the older echinocandins, making it more flexible in terms of dosing, storage, and manufacturing. These properties would allow rezafungin to be administered once-weekly (intravenous) and to be potentially administered topically and subcutaneously. In addition, higher dose regimens were tested with no evidence of toxic effect. This will eventually prevent (or reduce) the selection of resistant strains. Rezafungin also has several similarities with older echinocandins as they share the same in vitro behavior (very similar Minimum Inhibitory Concentration required to inhibit the growth of 50% of the isolates (MIC50) and half enzyme maximal inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50)) and spectrum, the same target, and the same mechanisms of resistance. The selection of FKS mutants occurred at similar frequency for rezafungin than for anidulafungin and caspofungin. In this review, rezafungin mechanism of action, target, mechanism of resistance, and in vitro data are described in a comparative manner with the already approved echinocandins.
Antifungal Activity of Bioactive Metabolites Produced by Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma atroviride in Liquid Medium
Authors: Stracquadanio Claudia , Quiles Juan Manuel , Meca Giuseppe , Cacciola Santa Olga
Published: November 2020

Trichoderma spp. are known as biocontrol agents of fungal plant pathogens and have been recognized as a potential source of bioactive metabolites. The production of antimicrobial substances from strains T. atroviride (TS) and T. asperellum (IMI 393899) was investigated. The bioactivity of 10- and 30-day culture filtrate extracted with ethyl acetate was assessed against a set of pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. The 30-day extracts of both strains had significant cytotoxic effects against the tested pathogens, with values of minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) ranging between 0.19 and 6.25 mg/mL. Dual culture assay (direct contact and nondirect contact) and the percentage inhibition of radial growth (PIRG) was calculated. The highest PIRG values were 76% and 81% (direct contact) with IMI 393899 and TS, respectively. Nondirect contact does not show inhibition on any of pathogens tested, indicating that the inhibition is not due to the secretion of volatile substances. Culture filtrates were analyzed by GC-MS and HPLC-Q-TOF-MS for the identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nonvolatile organic compounds (nVOCs), respectively. Seven classes of VOCs and 12 molecules of nVOCs were identified. These results indicate that these strains of Trichoderma had antimicrobial activities and they are potential natural sources of compounds with biological activity.
Molecular Profiling of Malignant Pleural Effusions with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS): Evidence that Supports Its Role in Cancer Management
Authors: Grigoriadou Georgia Ι. , Esagian Stepan M. , Ryu Han Suk , Nikas Ilias P.
Published: November 2020

Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) often develop in advanced cancer patients and confer significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we evaluated whether molecular profiling of MPEs with next generation sequencing (NGS) could have a role in cancer management, focusing on lung cancer. We reviewed and compared the diagnostic performance of pleural fluid liquid biopsy with other types of samples. When applied in MPEs, NGS may have comparable performance with corresponding tissue biopsies, yield higher DNA amount, and detect more genetic aberrations than blood-derived liquid biopsies. NGS in MPEs may also be preferable to plasma liquid biopsy in advanced cancer patients with a MPE and a paucicellular or difficult to obtain tissue/fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Of interest, post-centrifuge supernatant NGS may exhibit superior results compared to cell pellet, cell block or other materials. NGS in MPEs can also guide clinicians in tailoring established therapies and identifying therapy resistance. Evidence is still premature regarding the role of NGS in MPEs from patients with cancers other than lung. We concluded that MPE processing could provide useful prognostic and theranostic information, besides its diagnostic role.
Shared or Separate Representations? The Spanish Palatal Nasal in Early Spanish/English Bilinguals
Authors: Stefanich Sara , Cabrelli Jennifer
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine phonetic interactions in early Spanish/English bilinguals to see if they have established a representation for the Spanish palatal nasal /ɲ/ (e.g., /kaɲon/ cañón ‘canyon’) that is separate from the similar, yet acoustically distinct English /n+j/ sequence (e.g., /kænjn̩/ ‘canyon’). Twenty heritage speakers of Spanish completed a delayed repetition task in each language, in which a set of disyllabic nonce words were produced in a carrier phrase. English critical stimuli contained an intervocalic /n+j/ sequence (e.g., /dɛnjɑ/ ‘denya’) and Spanish critical stimuli contained intervocalic /ɲ/ (e.g., /deɲja/ ‘deña’). We measured the duration and formant contours of the following vocalic portion as acoustic indices of the /ɲ/~/n+j/ distinction. The duration data and formant contour data alike show that early bilinguals distinguish between the Spanish /ɲ/ and English /n+j/ in production, indicative of the maintenance of separate representations for these similar sounds and thus a lack of interaction between systems for bilinguals in this scenario. We discuss these discrete representations in comparison to previous evidence of shared and separate representations in this population, examining a set of variables that are potentially responsible for the attested distinction.
Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Metastatic Malignant Melanoma Express Components of the Renin-Angiotensin System
Authors: Siljee Sam , Pilkington Tessa , Brasch Helen D. , Bockett Nicholas , Patel Josie , Paterson Erin , Davis Paul F. , Tan Swee T.
Published: November 2020

Components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are expressed by cancer stem cells (CSCs) in many cancer types. We here investigated expression of the RAS by the CSC subpopulations in human head and neck metastatic malignant melanoma (HNmMM) tissue samples and HNmMM-derived primary cell lines. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of pro-renin receptor (PRR), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin II receptor 2 (AT2R) in all; renin in one; and ACE2 in none of the 20 HNmMM tissue samples. PRR was localized to cells within the tumor nests (TNs), while AT2R was expressed by cells within the TNs and the peritumoral stroma (PTS). ACE was localized to the endothelium of the tumor microvessels within the PTS. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) detected transcripts for PRR, ACE, ACE2, and AT1R, in all the five HNmMM tissue samples and four HNmMM-derived primary cell lines; renin in one tissue sample and one cell line, and AT2R in none of the five HNmMM tissue samples and cell lines. Western blotting showed variable expression of ACE, PRR, and AT2R, but not ACE2, in six HNmMM tissue samples and two HNmMM-derived primary cell lines. Immunofluorescence staining of two HNmMM tissue samples demonstrated expression of PRR and AT2R by the SOX2+ CSCs within the TNs and the OCT4+ CSCs within the PTS, with ACE localized to the endothelium of the tumor microvessels within the PTS.
Sulfate Attacks on Uncarbonated Fly Ash + Cement Pastes Partially Immersed in Na2SO4 Solution
Authors: Liu Zanqun , Pei Min , Li Yuelin , Yuan Qiang
Published: November 2020

In this study, the sulfate attack on uncarbonated cement paste partially exposed to Na2SO4 solution was experimentally investigated and compared with that on carbonated specimens with the same exposure regime and uncarbonated specimens without exposure. N2 was used to protect specimens from carbonation throughout the sulfate exposure period. The effects of the water-to-cement (w/c) ratio and the fly ash as cement replacement on the sulfate attack were evaluated. Portland cement paste specimens with different w/c ratios of 0.35, 0.45, and 0.55 or fly ash replacement rates of 10%, 20%, and 30% were prepared. These specimens were partially immersed in 5% Na2SO4 solution for 50 d and 100 d exposure periods. The micro-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of the partial sulfate attack on the uncarbonated cement paste using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermo-gravimetric (TG) techniques. The results confirmed that, for uncarbonated cement paste, the chemical attack rather than the physical attack is the deterioration mechanism and is responsible for more severe damage in the evaporation zone (dry part) compared with the immersed zone (immersed part). When the effect of carbonation is well excluded, there is an optimal w/c ratio of 0.45 for minimizing the sulfate attack, while incorporating fly ash tends to reduce the sulfate attack resistance.
Rheological Properties of SBS/CRP Composite Modified Asphalt under Different Aging Treatments
Authors: Wu Shuhua , He Rui , Chen Huaxin , Li Wenke , Li Guanghui
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study is to evaluate the rheological properties of SBS/CRP composite modified asphalt under different aging conditions in alpine cold regions. In this study, the styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymer, crumb rubber powder (CRP), softeners and various additives were used to prepare the SBS/CRP composite modified asphalt. The 4.5% SBS modified asphalt and SK90 virgin asphalt were also selected for comparing. The thin film oven test (TFOT) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) aging test were conducted to simulate the different aging conditions. The frequency sensitivity, high-temperature deformation resistance and low-temperature crack resistance of SBS/CRP composite modified asphalt under different aging conditions were studied by the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) test. The results show that the frequency sensitivity of SBS/CRP composite modified asphalt is the lowest. At low and medium temperatures, it has relatively low strength and good flexibility. The master curve of composite modulus for the unaged and aged SBS/CRP composite modified asphalt is in a cluster state. It has strong anti-aging capability, which is less affected by aging conditions. It also has a strong low-temperature relaxation ability, which can meet the requirements of performance at −24 °C in PG classification. The high-temperature deformation resistance of SBS/CRP composite modified asphalt is not much different from SBS modified asphalt’s. Therefore, it can provide the basic support for the application in alpine cold regions under the conditions of low temperature, strong radiation and heavy load.
Metal Accumulation Using a Bacterium (K-142) Identified from Environmental Microorganisms by the Screening of Au Nanoparticles Synthesis
Authors: Li Yiting , Suzuki Michio
Published: November 2020

The use of technology that uses organisms to synthesize metal nanoparticles is necessary to maintain a sustainable society. In this study, we investigated and screened the microorganisms isolated from environmental water by quantifying the reproducibility of synthetic Au nanoparticles and the ability of large amount synthesis. The microorganism (K-142) of the Bacillus genus showed the best activity in the investigation. K-142 can also synthesize Ag, CdS and PbS nanoparticles, and the deposition efficiency of Ag, Al, Cd, Cu, and Pb was about 64.8–99.2%. According to the observation results under the microscope after fluorescent staining, K-142 could survive after being treated with 0.5 mM metal solution for 24 h. Therefore, it is expected that K-142, which is easy to cultivate, would also have a high ability to reduce and deposit metal substances. K-142 can be applied to the concentration and recovery of heavy metals in environmental water, thereby opening up channels for biological water purification.
Transformation Kinetics of Burnt Lime in Freshwater and Sea Water
Authors: Justnes Harald , Escudero-Oñate Carlos , Garmo Øyvind Aaberg , Mengede Martin
Published: November 2020

Calcium oxide (CaO), also known as burnt lime, is being considered as a possible treatment to reduce the negative impact of sea urchins on tare forests in northern coastal waters and blue-green algal blooms in the surrounding of fish-farms. In this respect, the reaction kinetics of burnt lime in contact with sea water has been elucidated and compared to its behaviour in fresh water. In the first minutes of contact between burnt lime and water, it “slaked” as CaO reacted with water to yield calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). Subsequently, calcium hydroxide reacted with magnesium, sulphate and carbonate from the sea water to yield magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), calcium sulphate dihydrate (gypsum, CaSO4·2H2O) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3), respectively. In a closed system of 1% CaO in natural sea water (where the supply of sulphate, magnesium and carbonate is limited), more than 90% reacted within the first 5 h. It is foreseen that in an open system, like a marine fjord, it will react even faster. The pH 8 of sea water close to the CaO particle surface will immediately increase to a theoretical value of about 12.5 but will, in an open system with large excess of sea water, rapidly fall back to pH 10.5 being equilibrium pH of magnesium hydroxide. This is further reduced to <9 due to the common ion effect of dissolved magnesium in sea water and then be diluted to the sea water background pH, about 8. Field test dosing CaO particles to sea water showed that the pH of water between the particles stayed around 8.
Some Properties of Univariate and Multivariate Exponential Power Distributions and Related Topics
Authors: Korolev Victor
Published: November 2020

In the paper, a survey of the main results concerning univariate and multivariate exponential power (EP) distributions is given, with main attention paid to mixture representations of these laws. The properties of mixing distributions are considered and some asymptotic results based on mixture representations for EP and related distributions are proved. Unlike the conventional analytical approach, here the presentation follows the lines of a kind of arithmetical approach in the space of random variables or vectors. Here the operation of scale mixing in the space of distributions is replaced with the operation of multiplication in the space of random vectors/variables under the assumption that the multipliers are independent. By doing so, the reasoning becomes much simpler, the proofs become shorter and some general features of the distributions under consideration become more vivid. The first part of the paper concerns the univariate case. Some known results are discussed and simple alternative proofs for some of them are presented as well as several new results concerning both EP distributions and some related topics including an extension of Gleser’s theorem on representability of the gamma distribution as a mixture of exponential laws and limit theorems on convergence of the distributions of maximum and minimum random sums to one-sided EP distributions and convergence of the distributions of extreme order statistics in samples with random sizes to the one-sided EP and gamma distributions. The results obtained here open the way to deal with natural multivariate analogs of EP distributions. In the second part of the paper, we discuss the conventionally defined multivariate EP distributions and introduce the notion of projective EP (PEP) distributions. The properties of multivariate EP and PEP distributions are considered as well as limit theorems establishing the conditions for the convergence of multivariate statistics constructed from samples with random sizes (including random sums of random vectors) to multivariate elliptically contoured EP and projective EP laws. The results obtained here give additional theoretical grounds for the applicability of EP and PEP distributions as asymptotic approximations for the statistical regularities observed in data in many fields.
An Accurate Approximation of the Two-Phase Stefan Problem with Coefficient Smoothing
Authors: Vasil’ev Vasily , Vasilyeva Maria
Published: November 2020

In this work, we consider the heat transfer problems with phase change. The mathematical model is described through a two-phase Stefan problem and defined in the whole domain that contains frozen and thawed subdomains. For the numerical solution of the problem, we present three schemes based on different smoothing of the sharp phase change interface. We propose the method using smooth coefficient approximation based on the analytical smoothing of discontinuous coefficients through an error function with a given smoothing interval. The second method is based on smoothing in one spatial interval (cell) and provides a minimal length of smoothing calculated automatically for the given values of temperatures on the mesh. The third scheme is a convenient scheme using a linear approximation of the coefficient on the smoothing interval. The results of the numerical computations on a model problem with an exact solution are presented for the one-dimensional formulation. The extension of the method is presented for the solution of the two-dimensional problem with numerical results.
The Solvability of a Class of Convolution Equations Associated with 2D FRFT
Authors: Li Zhen-Wei , Gao Wen-Biao , Li Bing-Zhao
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the solvability of a class of convolution equations is discussed by using two-dimensional (2D) fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) in polar coordinates. Firstly, we generalize the 2D FRFT to the polar coordinates setting. The relationship between 2D FRFT and fractional Hankel transform (FRHT) is derived. Secondly, the spatial shift and multiplication theorems for 2D FRFT are proposed by using this relationship. Thirdly, in order to analyze the solvability of the convolution equations, a novel convolution operator for 2D FRFT is proposed, and the corresponding convolution theorem is investigated. Finally, based on the proposed theorems, the solvability of the convolution equations is studied.
Efficient Computation of Highly Oscillatory Fourier Transforms with Nearly Singular Amplitudes over Rectangle Domains
Authors: Yang Zhen , Ma Junjie
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we consider fast and high-order algorithms for calculation of highly oscillatory and nearly singular integrals. Based on operators with regard to Chebyshev polynomials, we propose a class of spectral efficient Levin quadrature for oscillatory integrals over rectangle domains, and give detailed convergence analysis. Furthermore, with the help of adaptive mesh refinement, we are able to develop an efficient algorithm to compute highly oscillatory and nearly singular integrals. In contrast to existing methods, approximations derived from the new approach do not suffer from high oscillatory and singularity. Finally, several numerical experiments are included to illustrate the performance of given quadrature rules.
Development of a TiNbTaMoZr-Based High Entropy Alloy with Low Young´s Modulus by Mechanical Alloying Route
Authors: Normand Juliette , Moriche Rocío , García-Garrido Cristina , Sepúlveda Ferrer Ranier Enrique , Chicardi Ernesto
Published: November 2020

In this work, an equiatomic TiNbTaMoZr-based high-entropy alloy (HEA) has been developed by a powder metallurgy route, which consists of a process of combined one-step low-temperature mechanical milling starting from the transition metals as raw materials and a subsequent pressureless sintering. In this way, the optimized synthesized specimen, after 10 h of milling time, showed two different body-centered cubic (bcc) TiNbTaMoZr alloys, which, after sintering at 1450 °C, 1 h of dwell time and a heating and cooling rate of 5 °C min−1, it remained formed as two bcc TiNbTaMoZr-based HEAs. This material, with micrometric and equiaxed particles, and with homogeneously distributed phases, presented a Young’s modulus that was significantly higher (5.8 GPa) and lower (62.1 GPa) than that of the usual commercially pure (cp) Ti and Ti6Al4V alloy used for bone-replacement implants. It also presented similar values to those of the HEAs developed for the same purpose. These interesting properties would enable this TiNbTaMoZr-based HEA to be used as a potential biomaterial for bulk or porous bone implants with high hardness and low Young´s modulus, thereby preventing the appearance of stress-shielding phenomena.
Influence of Specific Energy on Microstructure and Properties of Laser Cladded FeCoCrNi High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Wang Leilei , Gao Zhuanni , Wu Mengyao , Weng Fei , Liu Ting , Zhan Xiaohong
Published: November 2020

Specific energy is a key process parameter during laser cladding of high entropy alloy (HEA); however, the effect of specific energy on the microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance of HEA coating has not been completely understood in the literature. This paper aims at revealing the influence of specific energy on the microstructure and properties of laser cladded FeCoCrNi high entropy alloy on the Ti6Al4V substrate, and further obtains feasible process parameters for preparation of HEA coating. Results indicate that there are significant differences in the microstructure and properties of the coatings under different specific energy. The increase of specific energy plays a positive role in coarsening the microstructure, promoting the diffusion of Ti from the substrate to HEA coating, and subsequently affects the hardness of samples. The HEA coating is mainly composed of the face-centered cubic phase and body-centered cubic phase, precipitating a small amount of Fe-Cr phase and Laves phase. Metallurgical bonding is obtained between the base metal and the coatings of which the bonding region is mainly composed of columnar crystal and shrinkage cavities. The microhardness of the HEA coating reaches 1098 HV, which is about 200% higher than that of the TC4 substrate, and the wear resistance is significantly improved by the HEA coating.
The Domestic Environment and the Lung Mycobiome
Authors: Rubio-Portillo Esther , Orts David , Llorca Eleuterio , Fernández Cleofé , Antón Josefa , Ferrer Consuelo , Gálvez Beatriz , Esteban Violeta , Revelles Elena , Pérez-Martín Carlos , Gómez-Imbernón Enrique , Adsuar Jorge , Piqueras Pedro , Amat Beatriz , Franco José , Colom María Francisca
Published: November 2020

This study analyzes the relationship between the mycobiome of the Lower Respiratory Tract (LRT) and the fungi in the domestic environment. Samples studied consisted of Broncho-Alveolar Lavage (BAL) from 45 patients who underwent bronchoscopy for different diagnostic purposes, and dust and air from the houses (ENV) of 20 of them (44.4%). Additionally, five bronchoscopes (BS) were also analyzed and negative controls were included for every procedure. All samples were processed for DNA extraction and cultures, which were performed in Sabouraud Dextrose and Potato Dextrose Agar. The fungal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS2) was sequenced by the Solexa/Illumina system and sequences were analyzed by QIIME 1.8.0 and compared with the UNITE Database for identification. The similarity between the two fungal communities (BAL and ENV) for a specific patient was assessed via the percentage of coincidence in the detection of specific operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and about 75% of co-occurrence was detected between the mycobiome of the LRT and the houses. Cultures confirmed the presence of the core mycobiome species. However, the low rate of isolation from BAL suggests that most of its mycobiome corresponds to non-culturable cells. This likely depends on the patient’s immune system activity and inflammatory status.
Implicit Geomodelling of the Merensky and UG2 Reefs of the Bushveld Complex from Open-Source Data: Implications for the Complex’s Structural History
Authors: Stoch Ben , Basson Ian James , Miller Jodie A.
Published: November 2020

The Bushveld Complex (BC) is the world’s largest source of platinum group metals. Extensive studies on the complex have focused on its geochemistry, magma and platinum group mineral genesis, mineral characterization and intrusion mechanisms. However, relatively little work has been undertaken on the overall 3D geometry of the complex, which detracts from the adequate contextualization of such studies. Furthermore, the absence of a broader 3D model of the complex does not permit the identification of structural trends and mineralization patterns. This contribution details the construction of 3D implicitly-modelled Merensky and UG2 Reefs across the Rustenburg Layered Suite of the BC, using Seequent’s Leapfrog software. Multiple open-source and public-domain data sources and modelling workflows were explored to account for disparities in data resolution, data spacing and clustering, and the resolution of model outputs. Key outcomes are (1) a representative, fully-implicit, dynamic geological model of the Merensky and UG2 Reefs over the main chamber of the BC; (2) identification of modelled features that augment the current understanding of the BC’s kinematic history and cumulative deformation; and (3) identification and analysis of subtle geometrical trends and patterns, such as inter-reef spacing and modelled depths, as well as structural domains that may not have been apparent from numerous, more focused or isolated petrological or geochemical studies. It is anticipated that this baseline 3D model will form the foundation for future, possibly localized, dynamic updates as further information becomes available. The addition of proprietary (viz., non-open-source) data, such as 2D seismic sections and 3D seismic surveys, would enhance the overall resolution and quality of such a model and resulting interpretations.
Editorial for Special Issue “Minerals of Kimberlites: An Insight into Petrogenesis and the Diamond Potential of Deep Mantle Magmas”
Authors: Sharygin Igor S. , Zedgenizov Dmitry A.
Published: November 2020

Kimberlites are igneous rocks that represent the deepest magmas originated from the mantle (>150 km) and typically occur within cratons [...]
Evaluation of an Attachment–Detachment Kinetic Model for Flotation
Authors: Safari Mehdi , Deglon David
Published: November 2020

This paper compares model predictions from a novel kinetic model with data from five fundamental single-mineral literature flotation datasets. The empirical correlations proposed by Safari and Deglon (2018) are modified to improve their robustness, requiring only a single best-fit regression coefficient per mineral type. Experimental and model-predicted rate constants were compared on a parity chart where a reasonable linear correlation was observed, with a gradient of 0.95 and an overall R2 value of 0.97. Thereafter experimental and model-predicted trends from the flotation datasets were compared for particle size, contact angle, agitation, and gas flow rate. Model-predicted trends were reasonably accurate for most of the flotation datasets, but under-predicted the rate constant for larger particles for the data of Pyke (2004). In general model predictions were reasonably accurate, which is considered quite good, as these were obtained by fitting a single parameter per mineral type to several large flotation datasets, totaling 330 rate constants.
Magma Plumbing System of Emeishan Large Igneous Province at the End-Permian: Insights from Clinopyroxene Compositional Zoning and Thermobarometry
Authors: Hu Jun-Hao , Liu Jing-Wen , Song Tao , Shi Bai-Shun
Published: November 2020

The end-Permian Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP) in SW China is widely accepted to have formed by mantle plume activities, forming voluminous flood basalts and rare picrites. Although many studies were performed on the petrogenesis and tectonic setting, the detailed conditions and processes within the magma chamber(s) remain unsolved. In this study, we studied the sector-/oscillatory-zoned clinopyroxene (Cpx) phenocrysts and performed Cpx-liquid thermobarometric calculation to constrain the physicochemical processes within the magma chambers. The results show that Cpx phenocrysts from the high-Mg basalts were crystallized at 4–27 (average 17) km, whilst those from the low-Mg basalt were crystallized at 0–23 (average 9) km depth. The sector and oscillatory Cpx zoning in the high-Mg basalts show that the magma had experienced undercooling and multistage recharge events in the deep-staging chamber(s). The magma replenishments may have eventually led to the eruption of high-Mg basalts, and magma ascent to the upper crust for further fractionation to form the low-Mg basalts and mafic intrusions.
Incorporation of Magnetic Nanoparticles into Protoplasts of Microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis: A Tool for Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Savvidou Maria G. , Ferraro Angelo , Hristoforou Evangelos , Mamma Diomi , Kekos Dimitris , Kolisis Fragiskos N.
Published: November 2020

Intensive research on the use of magnetic nanoparticles for biotechnological applications of microalgae biomass guided the development of proper treatment to successfully incorporate them into these single-cell microorganisms. Protoplasts, as cells lacking a cell wall, are extensively used in plant/microalgae genetic manipulation as well as various biotechnological applications. In this work, a detailed study on the formation of protoplasts from Haematococcus pluvialis with the use of enzymatic and mechanical procedures was performed. The optimization of several parameters affecting the formation of protoplasmic cells and cell recovery was investigated. In the enzymatic treatment, a solution of cellulase was studied at different time points of incubation, whereas in the mechanical treatment, glass beads vortexing was used. Mechanical treatment gave better results in comparison to the enzymatic one. Concerning the cell recovery, after the protoplast formation, it was found to be similar in both methods used; cell viability was not investigated. To enhance the protoplast cell wall reconstruction, different “recovery media” with an organic source of carbon or nitrogen were used. Cell morphology during all treatments was evaluated by electron microscopy. The optimal conditions found for protoplast formation and cell reconstruction were successfully used to produce Haematococcus pluvialis cells with magnetic properties.
Investigation of the Ionic Liquid Graphene Electric Double Layer in Supercapacitors Using Constant Potential Simulations
Authors: Demir Baris , Searles Debra
Published: November 2020

In this work, we investigate the effect of the cation structure on the structure and dynamics of the electrode–electrolyte interface using molecular dynamics simulations. A constant potential method is used to capture the behaviour of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethane)sulfonimide ([C2mim][NTf2]) and butyltrimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide ([N4,1,1,1][NTf2]) ionic liquids at varying potential differences applied across the supercapacitor. We find that the details of the structure in the electric double layer and the dynamics differ significantly, yet the charge profile and capacitance do not vary greatly. For the systems considered, charging results in the rearrangement and reorientation of ions within ∼1 nm of the electrode rather than the diffusion of ions to/from the bulk region. This occurs on timescales of O(10 ns) for the ionic liquids considered, and depends on the viscosity of the fluid.