bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes in the Gwalior-Chambal Region of Central India
Authors: Subramani Senthil Kumar , Yadav Dhananjay , Mishra Meerambika , Pakkirisamy Umamaheswari , Mathiyalagen Prakesh , Prasad GBKS
Published: November 2019

Aim: This study evaluated the prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Gwalior-Chambal region of India. Methods: A cross-sectional house-to-house survey was conducted on a population of 7608 subjects, aged between 20 and 79 years for fasting blood glucose level in finger-prick blood. Participants were stratified based on blood glucose levels, gender, age, family history, etc. to assess their impact. Result: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in the Gwalior-Chambal region was found to be 11.4% and 5.7%, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher in the urban population (12.7%) while that of prediabetes was higher in the rural population (7.9%). Male subjects recorded a higher prevalence of prediabetes (8.2%, OR 1.54 in rural; 5.1%, OR 1.26 in urban) as well as diabetes (rural 9.2%, OR 3.15; urban 16.5%, OR 1.57). Both prediabetes and diabetes were recorded as being higher in those subjects leading a sedentary lifestyle and in the aged population. The prevalence of hyperglycemia was much higher in those with a family history of type 2 diabetes (30.6% in rural, 21.5% in urban). Almost half of the diabetics in the rural population were diagnosed for the first time. The multivariate regression analysis identified male gender, increasing age of 30 years and above, and positive family history as significant risk factors for diabetes whereas age of 40 to 79 and less physical activity were significant risk factors for prediabetes. Conclusion: Family history of diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle appeared as key factors promoting prediabetes and diabetes in the Gwalior-Chambal region. A lack of awareness appeared as one of the major causes of the high prevalence in the rural region.
Optimization of Data-Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry for Deep and Highly Sensitive Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Kawashima Yusuke , Watanabe Eiichiro , Umeyama Taichi , Nakajima Daisuke , Hattori Masahira , Honda Kenya , Ohara Osamu
Published: November 2019

Data-independent acquisition (DIA)-mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic analysis overtop the existing data-dependent acquisition (DDA)-MS-based proteomic analysis to enable deep proteome coverage and precise relative quantitative analysis in single-shot liquid chromatography (LC)-MS/MS. However, DIA-MS-based proteomic analysis has not yet been optimized in terms of system robustness and throughput, particularly for its practical applications. We established a single-shot LC-MS/MS system with an MS measurement time of 90 min for a highly sensitive and deep proteomic analysis by optimizing the conditions of DIA and nanoLC. We identified 7020 and 4068 proteins from 200 ng and 10 ng, respectively, of tryptic floating human embryonic kidney cells 293 (HEK293F) cell digest by performing the constructed LC-MS method with a protein sequence database search. The numbers of identified proteins from 200 ng and 10 ng of tryptic HEK293F increased to 8509 and 5706, respectively, by searching the chromatogram library created by gas-phase fractionated DIA. Moreover, DIA protein quantification was highly reproducible, with median coefficients of variation of 4.3% in eight replicate analyses. We could demonstrate the power of this system by applying the proteomic analysis to detect subtle changes in protein profiles between cerebrums in germ-free and specific pathogen-free mice, which successfully showed that >40 proteins were differentially produced between the cerebrums in the presence or absence of bacteria.
TGFB1-Mediated Gliosis in Multiple Sclerosis Spinal Cords Is Favored by the Regionalized Expression of HOXA5 and the Age-Dependent Decline in Androgen Receptor Ligands
Authors: Nataf Serge , Guillen Marine , Pays Laurent
Published: November 2019

In multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with a progressive form of the disease, spinal cord (SC) functions slowly deteriorate beyond age 40. We previously showed that in the SC of these patients, large areas of incomplete demyelination extend distance away from plaque borders and are characterized by a unique progliotic TGFB1 (Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1) genomic signature. Here, we attempted to determine whether region- and age-specific physiological parameters could promote the progression of SC periplaques in MS patients beyond age 40. An analysis of transcriptomics databases showed that, under physiological conditions, a set of 10 homeobox (HOX) genes are highly significantly overexpressed in the human SC as compared to distinct brain regions. Among these HOX genes, a survey of the human proteome showed that only HOXA5 encodes a protein which interacts with a member of the TGF-beta signaling pathway, namely SMAD1 (SMAD family member 1). Moreover, HOXA5 was previously found to promote the TGF-beta pathway. Interestingly, SMAD1 is also a protein partner of the androgen receptor (AR) and an unsupervised analysis of gene ontology terms indicates that the AR pathway antagonizes the TGF-beta/SMAD pathway. Retrieval of promoter analysis data further confirmed that AR negatively regulates the transcription of several members of the TGF-beta/SMAD pathway. On this basis, we propose that in progressive MS patients, the physiological SC overexpression of HOXA5 combined with the age-dependent decline in AR ligands may favor the slow progression of TGFB1-mediated gliosis. Potential therapeutic implications are discussed.
Heterozygous Ldlr-Deficient Hamster as a Model to Evaluate the Efficacy of PCSK9 Antibody in Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Wu Yue , Xu Ming-Jiang , Cao Zhiyou , Yang Chun , Wang Jinjie , Wang Bijue , Liu Jian , Wang Yuhui , Xian Xunde , Zhang Fang , Liu George , Chen Xiaoli
Published: November 2019

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a key role in cholesterol homeostasis and atherogenesis. However, there are only limited rodent models, with a functional low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) pathway and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) to evaluate the drug candidates targeting the PCSK9/LDLR pathway, that are translatable to humans. Here, by using our recently generated LDLR heterozygote (Ldlr+/−) hamster model with functional LDLR pathway and CETP function, we seek to evaluate the effect of a PCSK9 antibody, evolocumab, on dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis compared with ezetimibe, an effective inhibitor of cholesterol absorption, as a positive therapeutic control. We show that the plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) were significantly increased in Ldlr+/− hamsters fed a high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet; therefore, areas of atherosclerotic lesion in the aorta were obviously increased and positively correlated with plasma LDL-C and TC. Circulating free PCSK9 was downregulated by the HFHC diet and was undetectable in the evolocumab treated group, as expected. Most importantly, either evolocumab or ezetimibe treatment prevented HFHC diet-induced hyperlipidemia and subsequent atherosclerotic plaque formation. The results indicate that Ldlr+/− hamsters fed an HFHC diet represent an ideal rodent model to evaluate drug candidates that affect LDLR pathways.
Species Identification of Oaks (Quercus L., Fagaceae) from Gene to Genome
Authors: Pang Xinbo , Liu Hongshan , Wu Suran , Yuan Yangchen , Li Haijun , Dong Junsheng , Liu Zhaohua , An Chuanzhi , Su Zhihai , Li Bin
Published: November 2019

Species identification of oaks (Quercus) is always a challenge because many species exhibit variable phenotypes that overlap with other species. Oaks are notorious for interspecific hybridization and introgression, and complex speciation patterns involving incomplete lineage sorting. Therefore, accurately identifying Quercus species barcodes has been unsuccessful. In this study, we used chloroplast genome sequence data to identify molecular markers for oak species identification. Using next generation sequencing methods, we sequenced 14 chloroplast genomes of Quercus species in this study and added 10 additional chloroplast genome sequences from GenBank to develop a DNA barcode for oaks. Chloroplast genome sequence divergence was low. We identified four mutation hotspots as candidate Quercus DNA barcodes; two intergenic regions (matK-trnK-rps16 and trnR-atpA) were located in the large single copy region, and two coding regions (ndhF and ycf1b) were located in the small single copy region. The standard plant DNA barcode (rbcL and matK) had lower variability than that of the newly identified markers. Our data provide complete chloroplast genome sequences that improve the phylogenetic resolution and species level discrimination of Quercus. This study demonstrates that the complete chloroplast genome can substantially increase species discriminatory power and resolve phylogenetic relationships in plants.
Puf6 and Loc1 Are the Dedicated Chaperones of Ribosomal Protein Rpl43 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Liang Kai-Jen , Yueh Le-Yun , Hsu Ning-Hsiang , Lai Jui-Sheng , Lo Kai-Yin
Published: November 2019

Ribosomal proteins are highly expressed, and the quality of ribosomal proteins must be rigorously controlled to build up a functional ribosome. Rpl43, ribosomal protein large subunit 43, is located nearby the E-site of ribosomes. In our previous study, we found that Puf6, Loc1, and Rpl43 form a trimeric complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Rpl43 protein levels are under-accumulated in the absence of PUF6 or LOC1. However, why the loss of Puf6 or Loc1 decreased the protein levels of Rpl43 remained unclear. In the present study, we further dissected the connections among these three proteins and found that the processing defects of pre-ribosomal RNA in puf6Δ and loc1Δ are similar to those of the mutant with depletion of Rpl43. The stability of newly synthesized Rpl43 protein decreased slightly in puf6Δ and significantly in loc1Δ. We also found that Puf6 and Loc1 could interact with nascent Rpl43 co-translationally via the N-terminus of Rpl43. While the association and dissociation of Rpl43 with karyopherins did not depend on Puf6 and Loc1, Puf6 and Loc1 interacted with nascent Rpl43 in collaboration. While the N-terminus of Puf6 contained nuclear localization signals for transport, the PUF (Pumilio) domain was essential to interaction with Loc1, Rpl43, and 60S subunits. The C-terminus of Loc1 is more important for interaction with Puf6 and Rpl43. In this study, we found that Puf6 and Loc1 are the dedicated chaperones of ribosomal protein Rpl43 and also analyzed the potential interaction domains among the three proteins. Correct formation of the Puf6, Loc1, and Rpl43 ternary complex is required to properly proceed to the next step in 60S biogenesis.
CSPG4 as Target for CAR-T-Cell Therapy of Various Tumor Entities–Merits and Challenges
Authors: Harrer Dennis C. , Dörrie Jan , Schaft Niels
Published: November 2019

Targeting cancer cells using chimeric-antigen-receptor (CAR-)T cells has propelled adoptive T-cell therapy (ATT) to the next level. A plentitude of durable complete responses using CD19-specific CAR-T cells in patients suffering from various lymphoid malignancies resulted in the approval by the food and drug administration (FDA) of CD19-directed CAR-T cells for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A substantial portion of this success in hematological malignancies can be traced back to the beneficial properties of the target antigen CD19, which combines a universal presence on target cells with no detectable expression on indispensable host cells. Hence, to replicate response rates achieved in ALL and DLBCL in the realm of solid tumors, where ideal target antigens are scant and CAR-T cells are still lagging behind expectations, the quest for appropriate target antigens represents a crucial task to expedite the next steps in the evolution of CAR-T-cell therapy. In this review, we want to highlight the potential of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) as a CAR-target antigen for a variety of different cancer entities. In particular, we discuss merits and challenges associated with CSPG4-CAR-T cells for the ATT of melanoma, leukemia, glioblastoma, and triple-negative breast cancer.
Atoms in Generalized Orbital Configurations: Towards Atom-Dedicated Density Functionals
Authors: Toader Ana Maria , Buta Maria Cristina , Maftei Dan , Putz Mihai V. , Cimpoesu Fanica
Published: November 2019

Deriving a practical formula for the atomic body with generalized shell occupations, we perform a detective analysis of the radial distribution in the exchange energy, hinting at ideas about new types of density functionals, dedicated to the specifics of the electronic structure of atoms, exploiting the intrinsic spherical symmetry.
Identification and Characterization of HAESA-Like Genes Involved in the Fruitlet Abscission in Litchi
Authors: Wang Fei , Zheng Zhihui , Yuan Ye , Li Jianguo , Zhao Minglei
Published: November 2019

Regulation of abscission is an important agricultural concern since precocious abscission can reduce crop yield. INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA) peptide and its receptors the HAESA (HAE) and HAESA-like2 (HSL2) kinases have been revealed to be core components controlling floral organ abscission in the model plant Arabidopsis. However, it is still unclear whether the homologs of IDA-HAE/HSL2 in non-model plants are correlated to abscission. Previously, we found LcIDL1, a homolog of IDA from litchi, has a similar role to AtIDA in control of floral organ abscission in Arabidopsis. Here, we further isolated an HAESA-like homolog, LcHSL2, which is likely involved in the fruitlet abscission in litchi. Ectopic expression of LcHSL2 in wild type Arabidopsis has no effect on the floral organ abscission. However, its presence in the hae hsl2 mutant background completely rescued the floral organ abscission deficiency. LcHSL2 is localized in the cell membrane and the LcHSL2 gene is expressed at the pedicel abscission zone (AZ) of litchi and floral AZ of Arabidopsis. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression level of LcHSL2 was increased during ethephon-induced fruitlet abscission in litchi. Taken together, our findings suggest that HSL2 homologs have functional conservation in Arabidopsis and litchi, and LcHSL2 might play a critical role in regulation of fruitlet abscission in litchi.
Role of Nicotinamide in Genomic Stability and Skin Cancer Chemoprevention
Authors: Fania Luca , Mazzanti Cinzia , Campione Elena , Candi Eleonora , Abeni Damiano , Dellambra Elena
Published: November 2019

Nicotinamide (NAM) is an amide form of vitamin B3 and the precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential co-enzyme of redox reactions for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and for other metabolic processes. As NAD+ status is critical in maintaining cellular energy, vitamin B3 deficiency mainly affects tissues that need high cellular energy causing pellagra and skin sun sensitivity. In animal models, NAD+ deficiency leads to UV sensitivity of the skin, impairs DNA damage response, and increases genomic instability and cancer incidence. Furthermore, NAD+ depletion is associated with human skin aging and cancer. NAM prevents the UV-induced ATP depletion boosting cellular energy and enhances DNA repair activity in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, NAM reduces skin cancer incidence and prevents the immune-suppressive effects of UV in mice. Thus, NAM is involved in the maintenance of genomic stability and may have beneficial effects against skin aging changes and tumor development. Clinical studies showed that topical use of NAM reduces cutaneous aging. Furthermore, oral NAM administration reduces the level of UV-mediated immunosuppression and lowers the rate of non-melanoma skin cancers in high-risk patients. Therefore, NAM replenishment strategy may be a promising approach for skin cancer chemoprevention.
Biofilm-Forming by Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae May Contribute to the Blood Stream Infection
Authors: Yaita Kenichiro , Gotoh Kenji , Nakano Ryuichi , Iwahashi Jun , Sakai Yoshiro , Horita Rie , Yano Hisakazu , Watanabe Hiroshi
Published: November 2019

Bloodstream infection (BSI) due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has a high mortality rate and is a serious threat worldwide. Ten CRE strains (eight Enterobacter cloacae, one Klebsiella pneumoniae and one Citrobacter freundii) were isolated from the blood of nine patients, a percentage of whom had been treated with indwelling devices. The steps taken to establish cause included minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests, a pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), biofilm study, a multiplex PCR for resistant genes of carbapenemases and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), and plasmid incompatibility typing. All strains showed a tendency toward resistance to multiple antibiotics, including carbapenems. Frequently isolated genes of ESBLs and carbapenemases include blaTEM-1 (four strains), blaSHV-12 (four strains) and blaIMP-1 (six strains). A molecular analysis by PFGE was used to divide the XbaI-digested genomic DNAs of 10 CRE strains into eight patterns, and the analysis showed that three E. cloacae strains detected from two patients were either identical or closely related. The biofilm production of all CRE strains was examined using a microtiter biofilm assay, and biofilm growth in continuous flow chambers was observed via the use of a confocal laser scanning microscope. Our study indicates that biofilm formation on indwelling devices may pose a risk of BSI due to CRE.
An Optimization Model for Demand-Responsive Feeder Transit Services Based on Ride-Sharing Car
Authors: Sun Bo , Wei Ming , Wu Wei
Published: November 2019

Ride-sharing (RS) plays an important role in saving energy and alleviating traffic pressure. The vehicles in the demand-responsive feeder transit services (DRT) are generally not ride-sharing cars. Therefore, we proposed an optimal DRT model based on the ride-sharing car, which aimed at assigning a set of vehicles, starting at origin locations and ending at destination locations with their service time windows, to transport passengers of all demand points to the transportation hub (i.e., railway, metro, airport, etc.). The proposed model offered an integrated operation of pedestrian guidance (from unvisited demand points to visited ones) and transit routing (from visited ones to the transportation hub). The objective was to simultaneously minimize weighted passenger walking and riding time. A two-stage heuristic algorithm based on a genetic algorithm (GA) was adopted to solve the problem. The methodology was tested with a case study in Chongqing City, China. The results showed that the model could select optimal pick-up locations and also determine the best pedestrian and route plan. Validation and analysis were also carried out to assess the effect of maximum walking distance and the number of share cars on the model performance, and the difference in quality between the heuristic and optimal solution was also compared.
Seasonal Assessment of Supercooling Points for Two Introduced and One Native Laricobius spp. (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), Predators of Adelgidae
Authors: Toland Ashley , Wantuch Holly , Mullins Donald , Kuhar Thomas , Salom Scott
Published: November 2019

The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand, is an invasive insect that threatens hemlock species in eastern North America. Several species from the genus Laricobius are predators of A. tsugae in its native areas of Asia and the western United States. Two Laricobius species have been released as biological control agents: Laricobius nigrinus Fender, and Laricobius osakensis Montgomery and Shiyake. Laricobius rubidus LeConte is an adelgid predator native to the Eastern United States, where it can feed and complete development on A. tsugae opportunistically. Laboratory assays were conducted to assess the cold hardiness of these three Laricobius species, including two distinct populations of L. osakensis, by measuring the supercooling points of each species from November 2016 through March 2017. This information may be useful for choosing the best-suited biological control agent for a particular region to control A. tsugae. There was a significant difference between the overall mean supercooling point of L. rubidus compared to the other Laricobius spp. There were also significant differences of supercooling points between L. rubidus and both strains of L. osakensis in January, and significant differences between L. rubidus and all other strains in February. L. rubidus appear better adapted to cold extremes in the eastern U.S. than imported Laricobius spp.
Synthesis of X-Zeolite from Waste Basalt Powder and its Influencing Factors and Synthesis Mechanism
Authors: Ke Guojun , Shen Haichen , Yang Pengfei
Published: November 2019

Traditional hydrothermal method (TH) and alkali fusion-assisted hydrothermal method (AFH) were evaluated for the preparation of zeolites from waste basalt powder by using NaOH as the activation reagent in this study. The synthesized products were characterized by BET, XRD, FTIR and SEM. The effects of acid treatment, alkali/basalt ratio, calcination temperature and crystallization temperature on the synthesis process were studied. The results showed that AFH successfully synthesized zeolite X with higher crystallinity and no zeolite was formed by TH. The specific surface area of synthetic zeolite X was 486.46 m2·g−1, which was much larger than that of original basalt powder (12.12 m2·g−1). Acid treatment and calcination temperature had no effect on zeolite types, but acid treatment improved the yield and quality of zeolite. Alkali/basalt ratio and crystallization temperature not only affected the crystallinity of synthesized zeolites but also affected its type. The optimum synthesis condition of zeolite X are as follows: acid treatment of 5 wt% HCl solution, NaOH/basalt ratio of 1:1, a calcination temperature of 650 °C and crystallization temperature of 120 °C. The work shows that basalt can be used as a raw material to prepare zeolite.
Hydration Kinetics of Portland Cement–Silica Fume Binary System at Low Temperature
Authors: Li Yao , Deng Yonggang , Liu Runqing
Published: November 2019

Portland cement–silica fume binary cementitious materials are widely used in engineering construction and have been investigated from micro- to macroscopic aspects. However, the theoretical background on the hydration kinetics of the binary system has not been sufficiently covered in the literature. In this study, the hydration dynamic characteristics of the Portland cement–silica fume binary system curing at low temperature were investigated. Hydration kinetics equations were optimized and a hydration model followed by a computer program was developed to calculate the reaction rate constant K and the reaction order n. This model presented that the hydration process of the binary system at low temperature could be divided into three stages, namely, nucleation and growth (NG), interactions at phase boundaries (I), and diffusion (D). The n values for the binary system varied in the range of 1.2 to 1.6, indicating that the hydration of the binary system at low temperature was a complex elementary reaction. Silica fume can reduce the total heat at the later stage of the hydration and the reaction order n, but increase the heat flow at the accelerating stage and the hydration rate constant K. Low temperature prolonged the hydration induction period, decreased and delayed the secondary exothermic peak, as well as reduced the n and K value.
Modeling of Compressive Strength for Unidirectional Fiber Reinforced Composites with Nanoparticle Modified Epoxy Matrix
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Yiping , Jiang Zhenyu , Tang Liqun , Liu Zejia , Zhou Licheng
Published: November 2019

Incorporation of nanoparticles into polymer matrix was found to considerably improve the compressive performance of unidirectional fiber reinforced composites. In our experimental study, an increase by 62.7% in the longitudinal compressive strength of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced composites is attained by dispersing 8.7 vol.% SiO2 nanoparticles into epoxy matrix. A compressive strength model is established to quantitatively describe the reinforcing effects of nanoparticles, which combines a modified microbuckling model for unidirectional fiber reinforced composites and a constitutive model for nanocomposite matrices under compression. In the two models, the coupling of damage and plasticity is considered to contribute to the nonlinear response of nanocomposite matrix. The proposed strength model demonstrates excellent prediction capability in experimental verification. A small relative deviation below 8.2% is achieved between the predicted compressive strength of unidirectional fiber reinforced composites and the measured values, which is at the same level of random error in experiments.
Effect of Tilt Angle and Pin Depth on Dissimilar Friction Stir Lap Welded Joints of Aluminum and Steel Alloys
Authors: Chitturi Veerendra , Pedapati Srinivasa Rao , Awang Mokhtar
Published: November 2019

Automobile, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries are looking for lightweight materials for cost effective manufacturing which demands the welding of dissimilar alloy materials. In this study, the effect of tool rotational speed, welding speed, tilt angle, and pin depth on the weld joint were investigated. Aluminum 5052 and 304 stainless-steel alloys were joined by friction stir welding in a lap configuration. The design of the experiments was based on Taguchi’s orthogonal array for conducting the experiments with four factors and three levels for each factor. The microstructural analysis showed tunnel defects, micro voids, and cracks which formed with 0° and 1.5° tilt angles. The defects were eliminated when the tilt angle increased to 2.5° and a mixed stir zone was formed with intermetallic compounds. The presence of the intermetallic compounds increased with the increase in tilt angle and pin depth which further resulted in obtaining a defect-free weld. Hooks were formed on either side of the weld zone creating a mechanical link for the joint. A Vickers hardness value of HV 635.46 was achieved in the mixed stir zone with 1000 rpm, 20 mm/min, and 4.2 mm pin depth with a tilt angle of 2.5°, which increased by three times compared to the hardness of SS 304 steel. The maximum shear strength achieved with 800 rpm, 40 mm/min, and a 4.3 mm pin depth with a tilt angle of 2.5° was 3.18 kN.
From 2-D to 0-D Boron Nitride Materials, The Next Challenge
Authors: Stagi Luigi , Ren Junkai , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: November 2019

The discovery of graphene has paved the way for intense research into 2D materials which is expected to have a tremendous impact on our knowledge of material properties in small dimensions. Among other materials, boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials have shown remarkable features with the possibility of being used in a large variety of devices. Photonics, aerospace, and medicine are just some of the possible fields where BN has been successfully employed. Poor scalability represents, however, a primary limit of boron nitride. Techniques to limit the number of defects, obtaining large area sheets and the production of significant amounts of homogenous 2D materials are still at an early stage. In most cases, the synthesis process governs defect formation. It is of utmost importance, therefore, to achieve a deep understanding of the mechanism behind the creation of these defects. We reviewed some of the most recent studies on 2D and 0D boron nitride materials. Starting with the theoretical works which describe the correlations between structure and defects, we critically described the main BN synthesis routes and the properties of the final materials. The main results are summarized to present a general outlook on the current state of the art in this field.
Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded Butt Joints of 5A06 Alloy Ultra-Thin Sheets
Authors: Han Yang , Jiang Xiaoqing , Yuan Tao , Chen Shujun , Li Dongxiao , Qi Zhenyu
Published: November 2019

Ultra-thin plates have great potential for applications in aircraft skin, the packaging industry, and packaging of electronic products. Herein, 1 mm-thick 5A06 Al alloy was welded with friction stir welding. The microstructural evolution of the welds was investigated in detail with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction. The results showed that the friction stir welds of 1 mm-thick 5A06 Al alloy were well formed without obvious defect and with a minimum thickness reduction of 0.025 mm. Further, the grain size and the proportion of low-angle grain boundaries decreased with decreasing welding speed, because of the increasing degree of dynamic recrystallization. Among all of the welded joints, the welding speed of 100 mm/min yielded the smallest grain size and the highest proportion of high-angle grain boundaries, and thus the best mechanical properties. Specifically, the tensile strength of the joint was greater than that of the base material, while the elongation reached 80.83% of the base material.
Pentafluorophenyl Platinum(II) Complexes of PTA and Its N-Allyl and N-Benzyl Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity
Authors: Sgarbossa Paolo , Śliwińska-Hill Urszula , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Bażanów Barbara , Pawlak Aleksandra , Jackulak Natalia , Poradowski Dominik , Pombeiro Armando J. L. , Smoleński Piotr
Published: November 2019

From the well-known 1,3,5-triaza-phosphaadamantane (PTA, 1a), the novel N-allyl and N-benzyl tetrafuoroborate salts 1-allyl-1-azonia-3,5-diaza-7-phosphaadamantane (APTA(BF4), 1b) and 1-benzyl-1-azonia-3,5-diaza-7-phosphaadamantane (BzPTA(BF4), 1c) were obtained. These phosphines were then allowed to react with (Pt(μ-Cl)(C6F5)(tht))2 (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) affording the water soluble Pt(II) complexes trans-(PtCl(C6F5)(PTA)2) (2a) and its bis-cationic congeners trans-(PtCl(C6F5)(APTA)2)(BF4)2 (2b) and trans-(PtCl(C6F5)(BzPTA)2)(BF4)2 (2c). The compounds were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR, ESI-MS, elemental analysis and (for 2a) also by single crystal X-ray diffraction, which proved the trans configuration of the phosphine ligands. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the cytotoxic activities of all complexes the normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell culture were used. The antineoplastic activity of the investigated compounds was checked against the human lung carcinoma (A549), epithelioid cervix carcinoma (HeLa) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell cultures. Interactions between the complexes and human serum albumin (HSA) using fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD) were also investigated.
Deformation-Assisted Joining of Sheets to Tubes by Annular Sheet Squeezing
Authors: Alves Luis M. , Afonso Rafael M. , Silva Frederico L.R. , Martins Paulo A.F.
Published: November 2019

This paper is built upon the deformation-assisted joining of sheets to tubes, away from the tube ends, by means of a new process developed by the authors. The process is based on mechanical joining by means of form-fit joints that are obtained by annular squeezing (compression) of the sheet surfaces adjacent to the tubes. The concept is different from the fixing of sheets to tubes by applying direct loading on the tubes, as is currently done in existing deformation-assisted joining solutions. The process is carried out at room temperature and its development is a contribution towards ecological and sustainable manufacturing practices due to savings in material and energy consumption and to easier end-of-life disassembly and recycling when compared to alternative processes based on fastening, riveting, welding and adhesive bonding. The paper is focused on the main process parameters and special emphasis is put on sheet thickness, squeezing depth, and cross-section recess length of the punches. The presentation is supported by experimentation and finite element modelling, and results show that appropriate process parameters should ensure a compromise between the geometry of the mechanical interlocking and the pull-out strength of the new sheet–tube connections.
Adhesive Joint Stiffness in the Aspect of FEM Modelling
Authors: Anasiewicz Kamil , Kuczmaszewski Józef
Published: November 2019

The paper presents the results of nanoindentation testing, carried out along the thickness of the adhesive joint joining sheets of aluminum alloy. The purpose of the tests was to determine changes in the Young’s modulus in the joint resulting from the active impact of the joined aluminum alloy sheets on the adhesive during curing of the adhesive bond. Structural changes that take place during curing of the joint, especially in the boundary zone, can have a significant impact on the adhesive properties and consequently, on the adhesive joint strength. The Young’s modulus of the adhesive (Ek) in the joint assumes variable values as the distance from the connections changes. This phenomenon is called the apparent Young’s modulus. The problem is to define the size of the boundary zone in which the value of Ek significantly differs from the value in the so-called core. Based on the obtained results of experimental tests, a numerical model was built taking into account the observed differences in the properties of the joint material. The stress distribution in the adhesive joint, single-lap connection with the three-zone adhesive joint, was analyzed in comparison to the classical numerical model in which adhesive in the adhesive joint is treated as isotropic in terms of rigidity.
Use of Genetically Modified Bacteria to Repair Cracks in Concrete
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Weng Yiwei , Ding Yuanzhao , Qian Shunzhi
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we studied the crack-repair by spraying bacteria-based liquid around the cracks in concrete. To enhance the repair efficiency and speed up the repair process, the transposon mutagenesis method was employed to modify the genes of Bacillus halodurans and create a mutant bacterial strain with higher efficiency of calcium carbonate productivity by catalyzing the combination of carbonate and calcium ion. The efficiency of crack-repairing in concrete by spraying two kinds of bacterial liquid was evaluated via image analysis, X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) scanning technology and the sorptivity test. The results show that the crack-repair efficiency was enhanced very evidently by spraying genetically modified bacterial-liquid as no microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP) was found within the cracks for concrete samples sprayed using wild type bacterial-liquid. In addition, the crack-repair process was also shortened significantly in the case of genetically modified bacteria.
Occurrence and Properties of Thiosilvatins
Authors: Salvatore Maria Michela , Nicoletti Rosario , DellaGreca Marina , Andolfi Anna
Published: November 2019

The spread of studies on biodiversity in different environmental contexts is particularly fruitful for natural product discovery, with the finding of novel secondary metabolites and structural models, which are sometimes specific to certain organisms. Within the large class of the epipolythiodioxopiperazines, which are typical of fungi, thiosilvatins represent a homogeneous family that, so far, has been reported in low frequency in both marine and terrestrial contexts. However, recent observations indicate that these compounds have been possibly neglected in the metabolomic characterization of fungi, particularly from marine sources. Aspects concerning occurrence, bioactivities, structural, and biosynthetic properties of thiosilvatins are reviewed in this paper.
Sheathless Shape-Based Separation of Candida Albicans Using a Viscoelastic Non-Newtonian Fluid
Authors: Nam Jeonghun , Jee Hyunseul , Jang Woong Sik , Yoon Jung , Park Borae G. , Lee Seong Jae , Lim Chae Seung
Published: November 2019

Rapid and accurate identification of Candida albicans from among other candida species is critical for cost-effective treatment and antifungal drug assays. Shape is a critical biomarker indicating cell type, cell cycle, and environmental conditions; however, most microfluidic techniques have been focused only on size-based particle/cell manipulation. This study demonstrates a sheathless shape-based separation of particles/cells using a viscoelastic non-Newtonian fluid. The size of C. albicans was measured at 37 °C depending on the incubation time (0 h, 1 h, and 2 h). The effects of flow rates on the flow patterns of candida cells with different shapes were examined. Finally, 2-h-incubated candida cells with germ tube formations (≥26 μm) were separated from spherical candida cells and shorter candida cells with a separation efficiency of 80.9% and a purity of 91.2% at 50 μL/min.
Development-Disrupting Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor, Novaluron, Reprogramming the Chitin Degradation Mechanism of Red Palm Weevils
Authors: Hussain Abid , AlJabr Ahmed Mohammed , Al-Ayedh Hassan
Published: November 2019

Disruption in chitin regulation by using chitin synthesis inhibitor (novaluron) was investigated to gain insights into the biological activity of chitinase in red palm weevils, an invasive pest of date palms in the Middle East. Impact of novaluron against ninth instar red palm weevil larvae was examined by dose-mortality response bioassays, nutritional indices, and expression patterns of chitinase genes characterized in this study. Laboratory bioassays revealed dose-dependent mortality response of ninth-instar red palm weevil larvae with LD50 of 14.77 ppm of novaluron. Dietary growth analysis performed using different doses of novaluron (30, 25, 20, 15, 10, and 5 ppm) exhibited very high reduction in their indexes such as Efficacy of Conversion of Digested Food (82.38%) and Efficacy of Conversion of Ingested Food (74.27%), compared with control treatment. Transcriptomic analysis of red palm weevil larvae characterized numerous genes involved in chitin degradation including chitinase, chitinase-3-like protein 2, chitinase domain-containing protein 1, Endochitinase-like, chitinase 3, and chitin binding peritrophin-a domain. However, quantitative expression patterns of these genes in response to novaluron-fed larvae revealed tissue-specific time-dependent expression patterns. We recorded overexpression of all genes from mid-gut tissues. Growth retarding, chitin remodeling and larvicidal potential suggest novaluron as a promising alternate for Rhynchophorus ferrugineus management.
The Assembly of Porphyrin Systems in Well-Defined Nanostructures: An Update
Authors: Magna Gabriele , Monti Donato , Di Natale Corrado , Paolesse Roberto , Stefanelli Manuela
Published: November 2019

The interest in assembling porphyrin derivatives is widespread and is accounted by the impressive impact of these suprastructures of controlled size and shapes in many applications from nanomedicine and sensors to photocatalysis and optoelectronics. The massive use of porphyrin dyes as molecular building blocks of functional materials at different length scales relies on the interdependent pair properties, consisting of their chemical stability/synthetic versatility and their quite unique physicochemical properties. Remarkably, the driven spatial arrangement of these platforms in well-defined suprastructures can synergically amplify the already excellent properties of the individual monomers, improving conjugation and enlarging the intensity of the absorption range of visible light, or forming an internal electric field exploitable in light-harvesting and charge-and energy-transport processes. The countless potentialities offered by these systems means that self-assembly concepts and tools are constantly explored, as confirmed by the significant number of published articles related to porphyrin assemblies in the 2015–2019 period, which is the focus of this review.
Chemometric Characterization of Strawberries and Blueberries according to Their Phenolic Profile: Combined Effect of Cultivar and Cultivation System
Authors: Fotirić Akšić Milica , Dabić Zagorac Dragana , Sredojević Milica , Milivojević Jasminka , Gašić Uroš , Meland Mekjell , Natić Maja
Published: November 2019

Chemical characterizations of leaves and fruits that were obtained from organically and integrally produced strawberries (′Favette′, ′Alba′, and ′Clery′) and blueberries (′Bluecrop′, ′Duke′, and ′Nui′) from western Serbia were undertaken in this study. Phenolic analysis was done while using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a linear ion trap-Orbitrap hybrid mass analyzer, while total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and radical-scavenging activity (RSA) by spectrophotometry. In general, leaves and fruits from blueberry showed higher levels of TPC and TAC as compared to strawberry. These chemical traits were larger in organic grown fruits and larger in leaves than fruits. The most abundant phenolics in leaves and fruits of blueberry was 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, followed by quercetin 3-O-galactoside, while catechin, quercetin, and kaempferol 3-O-glucosid were dominant in the leaves and fruits of strawberry. cis, trans-Abscisic acid was detected in all fruit samples, but not in leaves. Blueberries (both fruits and leaves) were separated from strawberries, but only organic blueberry fruits were distinguished from integrated fruits, according to principal component analysis. Quercetin, kaempferol, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, p-coumaric acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid were the most influential phenolic compounds for the separation. Much higher contents of TPC, RSA, TAC, quercetin 3-O-galactoside, and quercetin were found in fruits and TPC, RSA, catechin, p-hydroxybenzoicacid, p-coumaricacid, and ferulic acid in leaves in all three blueberry cultivars and the strawberry cultivar ′Clery′. These phenolic compounds are good sources of antioxidant compounds with potentially high beneficial effects on human health.
Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Novel Liver X Receptor Agonists Based on Naphthoquinone Derivatives
Authors: Nishioka Tatsuma , Endo-Umeda Kaori , Ito Yuki , Shimoda Akane , Takeuchi Atsuko , Tode Chisato , Hirota Yoshihisa , Osakabe Naomi , Makishima Makoto , Suhara Yoshitomo
Published: November 2019

We aimed to synthesize novel liver X receptor (LXR) agonists with potent agonist activity and subtype selectivity. Our synthetic scheme started with naphthoquinone derivatives, such as menadione and 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone. We introduced different substituents into the naphthoquinone structures, including aniline, piperidine, pyrrolidine, and morpholine, in one or two steps, and thus, we produced 14 target compounds. All 14 synthetic ligands were tested to determine whether they mediated LXR-mediated transcriptional activity. We investigated the transcriptional activity of each compound with two types of receptors, LXRα and LXRβ. Among all 14 compounds, two showed weak LXRβ-agonist activity, and two others exhibited potent LXRα-agonist activity. We also performed docking studies to obtain a better understanding of the modes of compound binding to LXR at the atomic level. In conclusion, we successfully synthesized naphthoquinone derivatives that act as LXRα/β agonists and selective LXRα agonists.
Polypropylene Glycol-Polyoxytetramethylene Glycol Multiblock Copolymers with High Molecular Weight: Synthesis, Characterization, and Silanization
Authors: Hu Wei , Wang Lei , Wang Quanyong , Luan Anbo , Mai Yuliang , Huang Linjia , Chen Yongjun , Yan Shijing , Xiong Wenjie
Published: November 2019

The high crystallization at room temperature and high cost of polyoxytetramethylene glycol (PTMG) have become obstacles to its application. To overcome these problems, a segment of PTMG can be incorporated into a block copolymer. In this work, polypropylene (PPO) glycol-polyoxytetramethylene (PPO-PTMG) multiblock copolymers were designed and synthesized through a chain extension between hydroxyl (OH)-terminated PPO and PTMG oligomers. The chain extenders, feed ratios of the catalyst/chain extender/OH groups, reaction temperature, and time were optimized several times to obtain a PPO-PTMG with low crystallization and high molecular weight. Multiblock copolymers with low crystallization and high average molecular weight (Mn = 1.0–1.4 × 104 Dalton) were harvested using m-phthaloyl chloride as the chain extender. The OH-terminated PPO-PTMG multiblock copolymer with high Mn and a functionality near two was further siliconized by 3-isocyanatopropyltrimethoxysilane to synthesize a novel silyl-terminated polyether. This polyether has an appropriate vulcanizing property and potential applications in sealants/adhesive fields.
The Masked Polar Group Incorporation (MPGI) Strategy in Drug Design: Effects of Nitrogen Substitutions on Combretastatin and Isocombretastatin Tubulin Inhibitors
Authors: González Myriam , Ellahioui Younes , Álvarez Raquel , Gallego-Yerga Laura , Caballero Esther , Vicente-Blázquez Alba , Ramudo Laura , Marín Folgado Miguel , Sanz Cristina , Medarde Manuel , Pelaéz Rafael
Published: November 2019

Colchicine site ligands suffer from low aqueous solubility due to the highly hydrophobic nature of the binding site. A new strategy for increasing molecular polarity without exposing polar groups—termed masked polar group incorporation (MPGI)—was devised and applied to nitrogenated combretastatin analogues. Bulky ortho substituents to the pyridine nitrogen hinder it from the hydrophobic pocket while increasing molecular polarity. The resulting analogues show improved aqueous solubilities and highly potent antiproliferative activity against several cancer cell lines of different origin. The more potent compounds showed moderate tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity, arrested the cell cycle of treated cells at the G2/M phase, and subsequently caused apoptotic cell death represented by the cells gathered at the subG0/G1 population after 48 h of treatment. Annexin V/Propidium Iodide (PI) double-positive cells observed after 72 h confirmed the induction of apoptosis. Docking studies suggest binding at the colchicine site of tubulin in a similar way as combretastatin A4, with the polar groups masked by the vicinal substituents. These results validate the proposed strategy for the design of colchicine site ligands and open a new road to increasing the aqueous solubility of ligands binding in apolar environments.
Differential Physiological Responses Elicited by Ancient and Heritage Wheat Cultivars Compared to Modern Ones
Authors: Spisni Enzo , Imbesi Veronica , Giovanardi Elisabetta , Petrocelli Giovannamaria , Alvisi Patrizia , Valerii Maria Chiara
Published: November 2019

Although ancient, heritage, and modern wheat varieties appear rather similar from a nutritional point of view, having a similar gluten content and a comparable toxicity linked to their undigested gluten peptide, whenever the role of ancient end heritage wheat grains has been investigated in animal studies or in clinical trials, more anti-inflammatory effects have been associated with the older wheat varieties. This review provides a critical overview of existing data on the differential physiological responses that could be elicited in the human body by ancient and heritage grains compared to modern ones. The methodology used was that of analyzing the results of relevant studies conducted from 2010 through PubMed search, by using as keywords “ancient or heritage wheat”, “immune wheat” (protein or peptides), and immune gluten (protein or peptides). Our conclusion is that, even if we do not know exactly which molecular mechanisms are involved, ancient and heritage wheat varieties have different anti-inflammatory and antioxidant proprieties with respect to modern cultivars. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that the health proprieties attributed to older cultivars could be related to wheat components which have positive roles in the modulation of intestinal inflammation and/or permeability.