bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fanconi–Bickel Syndrome: A Review of the Mechanisms That Lead to Dysglycaemia
Authors: Sharari Sanaa , Abou-Alloul Mohamad , Hussain Khalid , Ahmad Khan Faiyaz
Published: August 2020

Accumulation of glycogen in the kidney and liver is the main feature of Fanconi–Bickel Syndrome (FBS), a rare disorder of carbohydrate metabolism inherited in an autosomal recessive manner due to SLC2A2 gene mutations. Missense, nonsense, frame-shift (fs), in-frame indels, splice site, and compound heterozygous variants have all been identified in SLC2A2 gene of FBS cases. Approximately 144 FBS cases with 70 different SLC2A2 gene variants have been reported so far. SLC2A2 encodes for glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) a low affinity facilitative transporter of glucose mainly expressed in tissues playing important roles in glucose homeostasis, such as renal tubular cells, enterocytes, pancreatic β-cells, hepatocytes and discrete regions of the brain. Dysfunctional mutations and decreased GLUT2 expression leads to dysglycaemia (fasting hypoglycemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, and rarely diabetes mellitus), hepatomegaly, galactose intolerance, rickets, and poor growth. The molecular mechanisms of dysglycaemia in FBS are still not clearly understood. In this review, we discuss the physiological roles of GLUT2 and the pathophysiology of mutants, highlight all of the previously reported SLC2A2 mutations associated with dysglycaemia, and review the potential molecular mechanisms leading to dysglycaemia and diabetes mellitus in FBS patients.
Correction: Sangadala, S. et al. FK506 Induces Ligand-Independent Activation of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein Pathway and Osteogenesis. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20, 1900
Authors: Sangadala Sreedhara , Devereaux Emily J. , Presciutti Steven M. , Boden Scott D. , Willett Nick J.
Published: August 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Effects of IL-6 Signaling Pathway Inhibition on Weight and BMI: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Patsalos Olivia , Dalton Bethan , Himmerich Hubertus
Published: August 2020

Inhibitors of the IL-6 signaling pathway, such as tocilizumab, are frequently administered for the treatment of immune diseases, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis and multicentric Castleman’s disease. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to ascertain the effects of IL-6 pathway inhibitors on weight and body mass index (BMI). Using PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed relevant articles from three databases (PubMed, OVID, EMBASE). A random effects model was used to estimate standardized mean change (SMCC). Ten studies with a total of 1531 patients were included in the meta-analysis for weight and ten studies with a total of 1537 patients were included in the BMI meta-analysis. The most commonly administered IL-6 pathway inhibitor was tocilizumab. IL-6 pathway inhibitors were associated with increases in weight (SMCC = 0.09, p = 0.016, 95% CI [0.03, 0.14]) and BMI (SMCC = 0.10, p = 0.0001, 95% CI [0.05, 0.15]). These findings suggest that the IL-6 pathway is involved in weight regulation. Modulating IL-6 signaling may be a potential future therapeutic avenue used as an adjunct for the treatment of disorders associated with weight changes, such as cancer cachexia and anorexia nervosa.
Complement C4 Gene Copy Number Variation Genotyping by High Resolution Melting PCR
Authors: Jaimes-Bernal Claudia P. , Trujillo Monte , Márquez Francisco José , Caruz Antonio
Published: August 2020

Background: Complement C4 gene copy number variation plays an important role as a determinant of genetic susceptibility to common diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, schizophrenia, rheumatoid arthritis, and infectious diseases. This study aimed to develop an assay for the quantification of copy number variations in the C4 locus. Methods: the assay was based on a gene ratio analysis copy enumeration (GRACE) PCR combined with high resolution melting (HRM) PCR. The test was optimized using samples of a known genotype and validated with 72 DNA samples from healthy blood donors. Results: to validate the assay, standard curves were generated by plotting the C4/RP1 ratio values against copy number variation (CNV) for each gene, using genomic DNA with known C4 CNV. The range of copy numbers in control individuals was comparable to distributions observed in previous studies of European descent. Conclusions: the method herein described significantly simplifies C4 CNV diagnosis to validate the assay.
The Role of Macrophages in Vascular Repair and Regeneration after Ischemic Injury
Authors: Hong Huiling , Tian Xiao Yu
Published: August 2020

Macrophage is one of the important players in immune response which perform many different functions during tissue injury, repair, and regeneration. Studies using animal models of cardiovascular diseases have provided a clear picture describing the effect of macrophages and their phenotype during injury and regeneration of various vascular beds. Many data have been generated to demonstrate that macrophages secrete many important factors including cytokines and growth factors to regulate angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, acting directly or indirectly on the vascular cells. Different subsets of macrophages may participate at different stages of vascular repair. Recent findings also suggest a direct interaction between macrophages and other cell types during the generation and repair of vasculature. In this short review, we focused our discussion on how macrophages adapt to the surrounding microenvironment and their potential interaction with other cells, in the context of vascular repair supported by evidences mostly from studies using hindlimb ischemia as a model for studying post-ischemic vascular repair.
Quantification of Iron Release from Native Ferritin and Magnetoferritin Induced by Vitamins B2 and C
Authors: Strbak Oliver , Balejcikova Lucia , Kmetova Martina , Gombos Jan , Trancikova Alzbeta , Pokusa Michal , Kopcansky Peter
Published: August 2020

Various pathological processes in humans are associated with biogenic iron accumulation and the mineralization of iron oxide nanoparticles, especially magnetite. Ferritin has been proposed as a precursor to pathological magnetite mineralization. This study quantifies spectroscopically the release of ferrous ions from native ferritin and magnetoferritin as a model system for pathological ferritin in the presence of potent natural reducing agents (vitamins C and B2) over time. Ferrous cations are required for the transformation of ferrihydrite (physiological) into a magnetite (pathological) mineral core and are considered toxic at elevated levels. The study shows a significant difference in the reduction and iron release from native ferritin compared to magnetoferritin for both vitamins. The amount of reduced iron formed from a magnetoferritin mineral core is two to five times higher than from native ferritin. Surprisingly, increasing the concentration of the reducing agent affects only iron release from native ferritin. Magnetoferritin cores with different loading factors seem to be insensitive to different concentrations of vitamins. An alternative hypothesis of human tissue magnetite mineralization and the process of iron-induced pathology is proposed. The results could contribute to evidence of the molecular mechanisms of various iron-related pathologies, including neurodegeneration.
From Traditional to VR-Based Online Education Platforms: A Model of the Mechanism Influencing User Migration
Authors: Chen Jing , Liu Chang , Chang Ronghua , Gui Pengfei , Na Sanggyun
Published: August 2020

VR technology can help create optimal virtual learning spaces. Such spaces offer new visual experiences that break through the limitations of time and space and greatly stimulate people’s imagination and creativity in learning. Currently, the bandwidth required for such spaces limits the large-scale application of virtual reality (VR) technology for this purpose. With the large-scale deployment and application of high-speed networks, however, online education platforms based on VR technology will be better able to meet the diversified and personalized learning needs of learners. To promote the development and popularization of new online education platforms based on VR, the factors influencing the migration of learners from traditional online education platforms to new platforms need to be understood more clearly. A model based on the theory of negative, positive, and anchoring effects can explain learners’ migration behavior in this connection. To this end, a structural equation model based on the PLS variance algorithm was used to analyze data obtained through offline and online questionnaires. It was found that in terms of “negative effects”, the afunction and loyalty associated with traditional online education platforms reduced learners’ willingness to migrate to new platforms based on VR technology. In terms of “positive effects”, the novel interactivity and personalization brought by the new platform increased the willingness of users of traditional platforms to migrate to new platforms. In terms of “anchoring effects”, the system quality and relationship quality of learners’ use of traditional online education platforms, as well as the transfer costs associated with the new platform, generated learners’ risk perception about platform migration. In addition, risk perception not only negatively affects learners’ migration to the new platforms, but also strengthens their cognition of the system quality and relationship quality of the traditional platforms, while reducing their interactive awareness of those platforms. Therefore, by adjusting the psychological component of virtual learning, the online education platforms based on VR technology can create high-quality platforms migrating from traditional platforms.
Perceptions Regarding Daith Piercing in Migraine, A Survey of Pediatric Patients
Authors: Gerson Trevor , Connelly Mark , Boorigie Madeline , Bickel Jennifer , Dilts Jennifer
Published: August 2020

The treatment of migraine is evolving to include non-traditional approaches, as pharmacologic therapy alone is unsuccessful in many patients. Daith piercing, a cartilaginous ear piercing, has become popular as a potential nonpharmacological treatment option for migraine. However, there are no systematic data on the utilization and efficacy of these piercings. Therefore, we investigated the perceptions of pediatric patients regarding Daith piercing and gathered initial retrospective data for patients who had already received it. Patients presenting to a pediatric neurology clinic were invited to complete a questionnaire to assess knowledge about and attitudes towards Daith piercing and their willingness to undergo such a treatment. For those with a Daith piercing, the effects on headaches, function, and mood were evaluated. Of the 171 respondents, 61% had prior knowledge of Daith piercings, 27% knew someone with a Daith piercing, and 60% of patients presenting with headache were willing to undergo piercing. Of the eight patients (5% of respondents) who had already undergone piercing, six (75%) reported improvement in headaches, five (62%) had missed fewer days of school or work, and seven (87%) reported mood improvement. The high proportion of pediatric patients willing to undergo this form of treatment speaks to the desire for and acceptance of nonpharmacologic treatments. Although based on a small sample, the data from children who have already undergone Daith piercing is promising and supports a need for further systematic investigation into this treatment approach.
Where to Biopsy to Detect Helicobacter pylori and How Many Biopsies Are Needed to Detect Antibiotic Resistance in a Human Stomach
Authors: Pichon Maxime , Tran Cong Tri , Motillon Gaëtan , Debiais Charlotte , Gautier Sylvain , Aballea Marie , Cremniter Julie , Vasseur Philippe , Tougeron David , Garcia Magali , Garnier Martine , Bodet Charles , Faure Jean Pierre , Burucoa Christophe
Published: August 2020

This study aims to determine the gastric distribution, density, and diversity of Helicobacter pylori infection. Subtotal resection of the stomachs of three H. pylori-infected and asymptomatic obese patients were collected after a sleeve gastrectomy. Distribution and density of H. pylori were determined using culture and RT-PCR on multiple gastric sites (88, 176, and 101 biopsies per patient). Diversity of H. pylori strains was studied using antibiotic susceptibility testing, random amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD) typing and cagA gene detection on single-colony isolates (44, 96, and 49 isolates per patient). H. pylori was detected in nearly all analyzed sites (354/365 biopsies, 97%). Antral density was higher in one patient only. The three stomachs were almost exclusively infected by an antibiotic-susceptible strain. One clarithromycin-resistant isolate in one biopsy was detected in two stomachs (1/44 and 1/49 isolates), while in the third one, eight (8/96 isolates) metronidazole-resistant isolates were detected. DNA typing showed infection with cagA-negative strains for one patient, cagA-positive strains for a second patient and the third patient was infected with two different strains of distinct cagA genotypes. Infection with H. pylori is shown to spread to the whole surface of the stomach, but a possibility of minor sub-population of antibiotic-resistant clones, undetectable in routine practice.
Correlation of Arterial CO2 and Respiratory Impedance Values among Subjects with COPD
Authors: Uno Tomoki , Homma Tetsuya , Shigemura Masahiko , Fukuda Yosuke , Kimura Tomoyuki , Onitsuka Chihiro , Kawahara Tomoko , Sato Hiroki , Akimoto Kaho , Suganuma Hiromitsu , Kashima Ayaka , Yamamoto Shigenori , Ebato Takaya , Matsunaga Tomohiro , Kaneko Keisuke , Mikuni Hatsuko , Sato Haruna , Uchida Yoshitaka , Fujiwara Akiko , Kuwahara Naota , Manabe Ryo , Ida Hitomi , Hirai Kuniaki , Miyata Yoshito , Jinno Megumi , Ohta Shin , Kishino Yasunari , Inoue Hideki , Yamamoto Mayumi , Watanabe Yoshio , Kusumoto Sojiro , Ando Koichi , Suzuki Shintaro , Tanaka Akihiko , Ohmori Tohru , Sagara Hironori
Published: August 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory illness characterized by airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms with a global prevalence estimated to be more than 10% in 2010 and still on the rise. Furthermore, hypercapnic subject COPD leads to an increased risk of mortality, morbidity, and poor QoL (quality of life) than normocapnic subjects. Series of studies showed the usefulness of the forced oscillation technique (FOT) to measure small airway closure. Traditional findings suggested that hypercapnia may not be the main treating targets, but recent findings suggested that blood stream CO2 may lead to a worse outcome. This study aimed to seek the relationship between CO2 and small airway closure by using FOT. Subjects with COPD (n = 124; hypercapnia 22 and normocapnia 102) were analyzed for all pulmonary function values, FOT values, and arterial blood gas analysis. Student’s t-test, Spearman rank correlation, and multi linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. COPD subjects with hypercapnia showed a significant increase in R5, R20, Fres, and ALX values, and a greater decrease in X5 value than normocapnic patients. Also, multiple linear regression analysis showed R5 was associated with hypercapnia. Hypercapnia may account for airway closure among subjects with COPD and this result suggests treating hypercapnia may lead to better outcomes for such a subject group.
Cispatá Bay and Mestizos Evolution as Reconstructed from Old Documents and Maps (16th–20th Century)
Authors: Piccardi Marco , Correa Ivan D. , Pranzini Enzo
Published: August 2020

Historical cartography is increasingly being used for the study of coastal evolution, but less considered are coeval descriptive sources as well as exploration reports that accompany the construction of maps. Herein, these issues are considered when analyzing the chronological model of the Rio Sinú mouth and Cispatá bay evolution before the Tinajones delta formed (around 1942–1943) as it is established in the literature. This study is based on the examination of about 500 manuscripts or printed maps produced from the 16th century to 1937 (the last one before the Tinajones delta was formed) in which the Morrosquillo Gulf, the Rio Sinú terminal course, the Mestizos headland and Cispatá bay are represented. These maps were compared with coeval descriptive sources. Several maps are not based on new topographic surveys but are more recent elaborations of the original documents, while others include updates of only limited portions of the area and simply replicate or mix a drawn coastline, at best, tens of years before or, at worst, centuries before. A synchronic and diachronic comparative analysis of these documents was performed, and, out of these maps, only three were found to be reliable for the morphological reconstruction of the area. Many of the remaining maps turned out to be full or partial copies of the originals, so they attribute the wrong date to the described coastlines and water depths. These findings led to a new model for Cispatá bay evolution with respect to that proposed by previous scholars using some of these maps. In particular, some river mouths and coastal morphologies were backdated, and bay infilling proved to be far faster than described before. Written documents demonstrate that this process was triggered by inland slope deforestation.
State-Of-The-Art and Trends in CO2 Laser Cutting of Polymeric Materials—A Review
Authors: Mushtaq Ray Tahir , Wang Yanen , Rehman Mudassar , Khan Aqib Mashood , Mia Mozammel
Published: August 2020

Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser cutting finds one of its most relevant applications in the processing of a wide variety of polymeric materials like thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics. Different types of polymeric materials like polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), low- and high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), are processed by laser for different household as well as commercial products in the industry. The reason is their easy availability and economical aspect in the market. The problems associated with laser cutting include heat-affected zone (HAZ) generated on the cut surface, kerf width (KW), surface roughness (SR), dross formation, and striations formation. Furthermore, other related problems include taper cutting for deep parts and high-power consumption. The primary purpose of this work is a comprehensive literature review in CO2 laser cutting of polymeric materials. The influence of parametric variation on the cut quality is also explained. Cut quality in terms of KW, SR, HAZ, dross formation, and striations formation is analyzed by optimizing cutting variables like laser power (PL), cutting speed (CS), assist gas pressure (Pg), pulse frequency, nozzle type and its diameter, and stand-off distance (SOD). The effects of the laser cutting on the properties of different thermoplastics/thermosetting materials are also reported. However, this topic requires further studies on exploring the range of polymeric materials, and their optimal parameters selection to improve the cut quality. Therefore, the research gaps and future research directions are also highlighted in the context of CO2 laser cutting for polymeric materials.
High Precision Detection Method for Delamination Defects in Carbon Fiber Composite Laminates Based on Ultrasonic Technique and Signal Correlation Algorithm
Authors: Ma Mengyuan , Cao Hongyi , Jiang Mingshun , Sun Lin , Zhang Lei , Zhang Faye , Sui Qingmei , Tian Aiqin , Liang Jianying , Jia Lei
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a method based on signal correlation to detect delamination defects of widely used carbon fiber reinforced plastic with high precision and a convenient process. The objective of it consists in distinguishing defect and non-defect signals and presenting the depth and size of defects by image. A necessary reference signal is generated from the non-defect area by using autocorrelation theory firstly. Through the correlation calculation results, the defect signal and non-defect signal are distinguished by using Euclidean distance. In order to get more accurate time-of-flight, cubic spline interpolation is introduced. In practical automatic ultrasonic A-scan signal processing, signal correlation provide a new way to avoid problems such as signal peak tracking and complex gate setting. Finally, the detection results of a carbon fiber laminate with artificial delamination through ultrasonic phased array C-scan acquired from Olympus OmniScan MX2 and this proposed algorithm are compared, which showing that this proposed algorithm performs well in defect shape presentation and location calculation. The experiment shows that the defect size error is less than 4%, the depth error less than 3%. Compared with ultrasonic C-scan method, this proposed method needs less inspector’s prior-knowledge, which can lead to advantages in automatic ultrasonic testing.
Active Reinforcing Fiber of Cementitious Materials Using Crimped NiTi SMA Fiber for Crack-Bridging and Pullout Resistance
Authors: Choi Eunsoo , Ho Ha Vinh , Jeon Jong-Su
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the recovery stress and bond resistance of cold drawn crimped SMA fiber using two different initial diameters of 1.0 and 0.7 mm. These characteristics are important to the active prestressing effect and crack-closing of the fiber. NiTi SMA fiber was used for the cold drawing, and then crimped shapes were manufactured with various wave heights. After that, tensile, recovery, and pullout tests were conducted. The cold drawn crimped fiber showed softening tensile behavior more clearly than the cold drawn straight fiber when not subjected to heating, whereas they had the same tensile behavior under heating. The recovery stress and the residual stress of the crimped fibers were less than those of the straight fiber with the same diameter. Moreover, crimped fibers with a large diameter and higher wave height would induce more recovery stress and residual stress. The maximum pullout resistance of the crimped fiber was a function of the wave depth, embedded length, yield strength, and flexural rigidity of the fiber.
Radiation-Induced Defects and Effects in Germanate and Tellurite Glasses
Authors: Hongisto Mikko , Veber Alexander , Petit Yannick , Cardinal Thierry , Danto Sylvain , Jubera Veronique , Petit Laeticia
Published: August 2020

This review focuses on the radiation-induced changes in germanate and tellurite glasses. These glasses have been of great interest due to their remarkable potential for photonics, in terms of extended transmission window in the mid-infrared, ability of rare-earth loading suitable with a laser, and amplification in the near- and mid-infrared or high nonlinear optical properties. Here, we summarize information about possible radiation-induced defects, mechanisms of their formation, and the influence of the glass composition on this process. Special attention is paid to laser-induced structural modification of these glasses, including possible mechanisms of the laser-glass interaction, laser-induced crystallization, and waveguide writing. It is shown that these methods can be used for photostructuring of the glass and have great potential for practical applications.
Improvement of Performances of the Gypsum-Cement Fiber Reinforced Composite (GCFRC)
Authors: Chernysheva Natalia , Lesovik Valery , Fediuk Roman , Vatin Nikolai
Published: August 2020

The novelty of this paper lies in the identification of the scientific patterns of the influence of thermal power plant waste (TPPW) on the hydration mechanism and the structure of the gypsum-cement binder (GCB). The classification of raw materials for the production of GCB has been developed taking into account the genesis, which contributes to the prediction of the properties of composites. The features of the hydration phase formation and hardening of GCB have been studied taking into account the chemical, structural and morphological features of fly ash and slag. In addition, the microstructural, morphological, and thermal properties of the cured binders at a 28 day cure were determined. For the first time, scientific data on the properties of gypsum-cement fiber-reinforced composite using TPPW and microfiber have been obtained. The results show that the synergistic effect of gypsum-cement binder, TPPW, and polyamide or basalt microfiber improves the physicomechanical properties of a 28 day cured binder: compressive strength of 20 MPa, flexural strength of 8.9 MPa, and softening coefficient 0.87.
Outcomes of Primary Repair and Anastomosis for Traumatic Colonic Injuries in a Tertiary Trauma Center
Authors: De Robles Marie Shella , Young Christopher  J.
Published: August 2020

Background: Surgical management for traumatic colonic injuries has undergone major changes in the past decades. Despite the increasing confidence in primary repair for both penetrating colonic injury (PCI) and blunt colonic injury (BCI), there are authors still advocating for a colostomy particularly for BCI. This study aims to describe the surgical management of colonic injuries in a level 1 metropolitan trauma center and compare patient outcomes between PCI and BCI. Methods: Twenty-one patients who underwent trauma laparotomy for traumatic colonic injuries between January 2011 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: BCI accounted for 67% and PCI for 33% of traumatic colonic injuries. The transverse colon was the most commonly injured part of the colon (43%), followed by the sigmoid colon (33%). Primary repair (52%) followed by resection-anastomosis (38%) remain the most common procedures performed regardless of the injury mechanism. Only two (10%) patients required a colostomy. There was no significant difference comparing patients who underwent primary repair, resection-anastomosis and colostomy formation in terms of complication rates (55% vs. 50% vs. 50%, p = 0.979) and length of hospital stay (21 vs. 21 vs. 19 days, p = 0.991). Conclusions: Regardless of the injury mechanism, either primary repair or resection and anastomosis is a safe method in the management of the majority of traumatic colonic injuries.
Effect of Cooling Rate on Microstructure and Properties of Twin-Roll Casting 6061 Aluminum Alloy Sheet
Authors: Xu Zhen , Wang Sixue , Wang Hongbin , Song Hua , Li Shengli , Chen Xingyu
Published: August 2020

In this study, a twin-roll casting sheet of 6061 aluminum alloy was cooled using furnace, asbestos, air, wind and water. The effect of cooling rate on the microstructure and properties of twin-roll casting 6061 aluminum alloy sheet were studied. Optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, microhardness tester and universal tensile machine were used to observe the microstructure and properties of twin-roll casting sheet of 6061 aluminum alloy. The results show that the higher the cooling rate, the smaller the grain size of the alloy and the smaller the number of precipitated phases in the matrix. Uniform grain size of the alloy could be obtained at a stable cooling rate. The hardness, tensile strength and elongation of the twin-roll casting sheet increased with cooling rate. Under wind cooling condition, the twin-roll casting sheet demonstrated excellent comprehensive performance, i.e., 88 MPa of yield strength, 178 MPa of tensile strength and 15% of elongation, respectively. A quantitative Hall–Petch relation was established to predict the yield strength of 6061 twin-roll casting sheets with different grain sizes and cooling rate.
Skeletal Muscle Angiopoietin-Like Protein 4 and Glucose Metabolism in Older Adults after Exercise and Weight Loss
Authors: Li Guoyan , Zhang Hefang , Ryan Alice S.
Published: August 2020

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is an adipokine that plays an important role in energy homoeostasis and lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. This study was designed to determine the effect of an exercise plus weight loss intervention on ANGPTL4 expression and its relationship with metabolic health. Thirty-five obese sedentary men (n = 18) and postmenopausal women (n = 17), (X ± SEM, age: 61 ± 1 years, BMI: 31.3 ± 0.7 kg/m2, VO2max: 21.7 ± 0.9 L/kg/min) completed a 6 month program of 3×/week aerobic exercise and 1×/week dietary instruction to induce weight loss (AEX + WL). Participants underwent vastus lateralis muscle biopsies, a hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp, oral glucose tolerance tests and body composition testing. Basal skeletal muscle ANGPTL4 mRNA was lower in men than women (p < 0.01). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha (PPARα) mRNA expression was higher in men than women (p < 0.05). There were no significance changes in serum or skeletal muscle ANGPTL4 (basal or insulin-stimulated) or muscle PPARα mRNA expression after AEX + WL. Muscle mRNA ANGPTL4 is correlated with serum ANGPTL4 (r = 0.41, p < 0.05), body fat (r = 0.64, p < 0.0001), and glucose utilization (r = 0.38, p < 0.05). AEX + WL does not change basal or insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle ANGPTL4 mRNA expression, suggesting other factors contribute to improved insulin sensitivity after the loss of body fat and improved fitness.
Simulation Analysis of the Influence of Nozzle Structure Parameters on Material Controllability
Authors: Liu Huanbao , Zheng Guangming , Cheng Xiang , Yang Xianhai , Zhao Guangxi
Published: August 2020

With the evolution of three-dimensional (3D) printing, many restrictive factors of 3D printing have been explored to upgrade the feasibility of 3D printing technology, such as nozzle structure, print resolution, cell viability, etc., which has attracted extensive attention due to its possibility of curing disease in tissue engineering and organ regeneration. In this paper, we have developed a novel nozzle for 3D printing, numerical simulation, and finite element analysis have been used to optimize the nozzle structure and further clarified the influence of nozzle structure parameters on material controllability. Using novel nozzle structure, we firstly adopt ANSYS-FLUENT to analyze material controllability under the different inner cavity diameter, outer cavity diameter and lead length. Secondly, the orthogonal experiments with the novel nozzle are carried out in order to verify the influence law of inner cavity diameter, outer cavity diameter, and lead length under all sorts of conditions. The experiment results show that the material P diameter can be controlled by changing the parameters. The influence degree of parameters on material P diameter is shown that lead length > inner cavity diameter > outer cavity diameter. Finally, the optimized parameters of nozzle structure have been adjusted to estimate the material P diameter in 3D printing.
L-Shaped Slot-Loaded Stepped-Impedance Microstrip Structure UWB Antenna
Authors: Ma Zhong , Jiang Yan
Published: August 2020

A stepped planar microstrip structure is proposed and demonstrated as a candidate of the ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna in the paper. In the structure, two L-shaped slots are introduced into the rectangular microstrip patch to broaden the current path at both edges of the radiating patch. The impedance bandwidth of the antenna can be extended by using the stepped impedance resonator (SIR) structure at one end of the radiation patch and connecting with the feed line. The symmetrical two I-shaped slots are loaded on the SIR microstrip to improve in-band performance and further widen the operating band. The proposed new structure can have an improvement in the in-band characteristics while extending the operating bandwidth. A broadband impedance bandwidth of 2.39 GHz to 13.78 GHz at S11 < −10 dB is demonstrated based on the proposed novel structure. The reflection coefficient and radiation characteristics are characterized in the paper. The tiny antenna, with the benefit of small area 36 mm × 23 mm, shows potential applications in ultra-wideband communication systems, wireless energy harvesting systems, and other wireless systems.
3D AND-Type Stacked Array for Neuromorphic Systems
Authors: Jang Taejin , Kim Suhyeon , Chang Jeesoo , Min Kyung Kyu , Hwang Sungmin , Park Kyungchul , Lee Jong-Ho , Park Byung-Gook
Published: August 2020

NOR/AND flash memory was studied in neuromorphic systems to perform vector-by-matrix multiplication (VMM) by summing the current. Because the size of NOR/AND cells exceeds those of other memristor synaptic devices, we proposed a 3D AND-type stacked array to reduce the cell size. Through a tilted implantation method, the conformal sources and drains of each cell could be formed, with confirmation by a technology computer aided design (TCAD) simulation. In addition, the cell-to-cell variation due to the etch slope could be eliminated by controlling the deposition thickness of the cells. The suggested array can be beneficial in simple program/inhibit schemes given its use of Fowler–Nordheim (FN) tunneling because the drain lines and source lines are parallel. Therefore, the conductance of each synaptic device can be updated at low power level.
Deuterated Glutamate-Mediated Neuronal Activity on Micro-Electrode Arrays
Authors: Minoshima Wataru , Masui Kyoko , Tani Tomomi , Nawa Yasunori , Fujita Satoshi , Ishitobi Hidekazu , Hosokawa Chie , Inouye Yasushi
Published: August 2020

The excitatory synaptic transmission is mediated by glutamate (GLU) in neuronal networks of the mammalian brain. In addition to the synaptic GLU, extra-synaptic GLU is known to modulate the neuronal activity. In neuronal networks, GLU uptake is an important role of neurons and glial cells for lowering the concentration of extracellular GLU and to avoid the excitotoxicity. Monitoring the spatial distribution of intracellular GLU is important to study the uptake of GLU, but the approach has been hampered by the absence of appropriate GLU analogs that report the localization of GLU. Deuterium-labeled glutamate (GLU-D) is a promising tracer for monitoring the intracellular concentration of glutamate, but physiological properties of GLU-D have not been studied. Here we study the effects of extracellular GLU-D for the neuronal activity by using primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons that form neuronal networks on microelectrode array. The frequency of firing in the spontaneous activity of neurons increased with the increasing concentration of extracellular GLU-D. The frequency of synchronized burst activity in neurons increased similarly as we observed in the spontaneous activity. These changes of the neuronal activity with extracellular GLU-D were suppressed by antagonists of glutamate receptors. These results suggest that GLU-D can be used as an analog of GLU with equivalent effects for facilitating the neuronal activity. We anticipate GLU-D developing as a promising analog of GLU for studying the dynamics of glutamate during neuronal activity.
Microfluidic Separation of Blood Cells Based on the Negative Dielectrophoresis Operated by Three Dimensional Microband Electrodes
Authors: Yasukawa Tomoyuki , Yamada Junko , Shiku Hitoshi , Matsue Tomokazu , Suzuki Masato
Published: August 2020

A microfluidic device is presented for the continuous separation of red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) in a label-free manner based on negative dielectrophoresis (n-DEP). An alteration of the electric field, generated by pairs of slanted electrodes (separators) that is fabricated by covering parts of single slanted electrodes with an insulating layer is used to separate cells by their sizes. The repulsive force of n-DEP formed by slanted electrodes prepared on both the top and bottom substrates led to the deflection of the cell flow in lateral directions. The presence of gaps covered with an insulating layer for the electric field on the electrodes allows the passing of RBCs through gaps, while relatively large WBCs (cultured cultured human acute monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1 cells)) flowed along the slanted separator without passing through the gaps and arrived at an edge in the channel. The passage efficiency for RBCs through the gaps and the arrival efficiency for THP-1 cells to the upper edge in the channel were estimated and found to be 91% and 93%, respectively.
Destoning the Moatize Coal Seam, Mozambique, by Dry Jigging
Authors: Sampaio Carlos Hoffmann , Ambrós Weslei Monteiro , Cazacliu Bogdan , Moncunill Josep Oliva , José David Selemane , Miltzarek Gerson Luis , Brum Irineu Antônio Schadach de , Petter Carlos Otávio , Fernandes Eunírio Zanetti , Oliveira Luis Felipe Silva
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes pre-beneficiation studies by air jigs of the coal layers from a Moatize coal deposit. Pre-beneficiation, also called destoning, removes tailings before the beneficiation plant. The air jigs operate in the same granulometric size range as the heavy-media cyclones (HMCs) that are installed in the preparation plant. With the destoning, the heavy-media circuit operates with a lower coal feed and higher organic matter contents, increasing its cutting efficiency and lowering operational costs. The use of air jigs reduces the total water consumption in the plant, which is especially important for the region where the plant is installed, as water is particularly scarce. Four coal layers of the Moatize coal deposit were studied, which are currently exploited in the mine. As main results of the study, it is possible to say that the concentration of lights (feed of the preparation plant) and heavies (waste fraction) in air jigs can be carried out with reasonable efficiencies for all coal layers studied, making air jigs a feasible option for coal destoning.
Geochemical and Dynamic Model of Repeated Hydrothermal Injections in Two Mesozoic Successions, Provençal Domain, Maritime Alps, SE-France
Authors: Salih Namam , Mansurbeg Howri , Préat Alain
Published: August 2020

A field, petrographic and geochemical study of two Triassic–Jurassic carbonate successions from the Maritime Alps, SE France, indicates that dolomitization is related to episodic fracturing and the flow of hydrothermal fluids. The mechanism governing hydrothermal fluids has been documented with the best possible spatio-temporal resolutions specifying the migration and trapping of hydrothermal fluids as a function of depth. This is rarely reported in the literature, as it requires a very wide range of disciplines from facies analysis (petrography) to very diverse and advanced chemical methods (elemental analysis, isotope geochemistry, microthermometry). In most cases, our different recognized diagenetic phases were mechanically separated on a centimetric scale and analyzed separately. The wide range of the δ18OVPDB and 87Sr/86Sr values of diagenetic carbonates reflect three main diagenetic realms, including: (1) the formation of replacive dolomites (Type I) in the eogenetic realm, (2) formation of coarse to very coarse crystalline saddle dolomites (Types II and Type III) in the shallow to deep burial mesogenetic realm, respectively, and (3) telogenetic formation of a late calcite cement (C1) in the telogenetic realm due to the uplift incursion of meteoric waters. The Triassic dolomites show a lower 87Sr/86Sr ratio (mean = 0.709125) compared to the Jurassic dolomites (mean = 0.710065). The Jurassic calcite (C1J) shows lower Sr isotopic ratios than the Triassic C1T calcite. These are probably linked to the pulses of the seafloor’s hydrothermal activity and to an increase in the continental riverine input during Late Cretaceous and Early Cenozoic times. This study adds a new insight into the burial diagenetic conditions during multiple hydrothermal flow events.
Effect of Graphene Oxide on Mechanical Properties and Durability of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Prepared from Recycled Sand
Authors: Chu Hongyan , Zhang Yu , Wang Fengjuan , Feng Taotao , Wang Liguo , Wang Danqian
Published: August 2020

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has been used as an advanced construction material in civil engineering because of its excellent mechanical properties and durability. However, with the depletion of the raw material (river sand) used for preparing UHPC, it is imperative to find a replacement material. Recycled sand is an alternative raw material for preparing UHPC, but it degrades the performance. In this study, we investigated the use of graphene oxide (GO) as an additive for enhancing the properties of UHPC prepared from recycled sand. The primary objective was to investigate the effects of GO on the mechanical properties and durability of the UHPC at different concentrations. Additionally, the impact of the GO additive on the microstructure of the UHPC prepared from recycled sand was analysed at different mixing concentrations. The addition of GO resulted in the following: (1) The porosity of the UHPC prepared from recycled sand was reduced by 4.45–11.35%; (2) the compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and elastic modulus of the UHPC prepared from recycled sand were enhanced by 8.24–16.83%, 11.26–26.62%, 15.63–29.54%, and 5.84–12.25%, respectively; (3) the resistance of the UHPC to penetration of chloride ions increased, and the freeze–thaw resistance improved; (4) the optimum mixing concentration of GO in the UHPC was determined to be 0.05 wt.%, according to a comprehensive analysis of its effects on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and durability of the UHPC. The findings of this study provide important guidance for the utilisation of recycled sand resources.
Drinking Refined Deep-Sea Water Improves the Gut Ecosystem with Beneficial Effects on Intestinal Health in Humans: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroaki , Higuchi Keiro , Yoshikane Yu , Takagi Ryo , Tokuhiro Shinji , Takenaka Koichi , Oboshi Wataru , Kimura Asako , Islam Jahirul Md. , Kaneko Ayami , Sato Shouichi , Ishizuka Satoshi
Published: August 2020

World health trends are focusing on a balanced food and beverage intake for healthy life. Refined deep-sea water (RDSW), obtained from deep-sea water collected offshore in Muroto (Japan), is mineral-rich drinking water. We previously reported that drinking RDSW improves human gut health. Here, we analyzed the effect of drinking RDSW on the gut ecosystem to understand this effect. This was a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Ninety-eight healthy adults were divided into two groups: RDSW or mineral water (control). The participants consumed 1 L of either water type daily for 12 weeks. A self-administered questionnaire and stool and urine samples were collected through the intervention. The following were determined: fecal biomarkers of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), five putrefactive products, and nine short-chain-fatty-acids (SCFAs) as the primary outcomes; and three urinary isoflavones and the questionnaire as secondary outcomes. In post-intervention in the RDSW group, we found increased concentrations of five SCFAs and decreased concentrations of phenol and sIgA (p < 0.05). The multiple logistic analysis demonstrated that RDSW significantly affected two biomarkers (acetic and 3-methylbutanoic acids) of the five SCFAs mentioned above (p < 0.05). Similarly, the concentrations of urinary isoflavones tended to increase in post-intervention in the RDSW group. Constipation was significantly alleviated in the RDSW group (94%) compared with the control group (60%). Drinking RDSW improves the intestinal environment, increasing fecal SCFAs and urinary isoflavones, which leads to broad beneficial effects in human.
Family Support for Medical Nutritional Therapy and Dietary Intake among Japanese with Type 2 Diabetes (JDDM 56)
Authors: Horikawa Chika , Hatta Mariko , Morikawa Sakiko Yoshizawa , Takeda Yasunaga , Takeuchi Mizuki , Fujihara Kazuya , Kato Noriko , Yokoyama Hiroki , Kurihara Yoshio , Iwasaki Koichi , Tanaka Shiro , Maegawa Hiroshi , Sone Hirohito
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between habitual dietary intake for patients with diabetes and the content of family support for medical nutritional therapy (MNT). Analyzed were 289 Japanese with type 2 diabetes (men, 58.5%; mean age, 62.0 years; mean HbA1c, 53.4 mmol/mol) who completed the Food Frequency Questionnaire and Diabetes Family Behavior Checklist (DFBC). Relationships of mean values for food group intake to DFBC responses regarding MNT were examined using multivariate analysis of covariance. Positive response to “Praise for following diet” was associated with lower sweets intake (none: 60.1 g/day; ≥once monthly: 50.9 g/day, p = 0.038) and higher seasoning intake (none: 21.6 g/day, ≥once monthly: 24.1 g/day, p = 0.046). Energy intake was higher with positive responses to “Eat at the same time that you do” (none: 1636 kcal/day, ≥once monthly: 1818 kcal/day, p = 0.038). “Nags about not following diet” was associated with higher fish (none: 68.7 g/day, ≥once monthly: 78.7 g/day, p = 0.042) and salt intake (none: 8.3 g/day, ≥once monthly: 9.0 g/day, p = 0.014). Eating foods not part of the diabetic diet (none: 218.4 g/day, ≥once monthly: 246.9 g/day, p = 0.014) resulted in a higher vegetable intake. In females, significant differences in relationships in the overall analysis were reversed. Our results clarified relationships between types of family support of patients with type 2 diabetes and their dietary intake and the importance of sex differences for more effective MNT.
Nutritional Optic Neuropathies: State of the Art and Emerging Evidences
Authors: Roda Matilde , di Geronimo Natalie , Pellegrini Marco , Schiavi Costantino
Published: August 2020

Nutritional optic neuropathy is a cause of bilateral, symmetrical, and progressive visual impairment with loss of central visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, dyschromatopsia, and a central or centrocecal scotoma. The clinical features are not pathognomonic, since hereditary and toxic forms share similar signs and symptoms. It is becoming increasingly common due to the widespread of bariatric surgery and strict vegetarian or vegan diets, so even the scientific interest has recently increased. In particular, recent studies have focused on possible pathogenetic mechanisms, and on novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in order to prevent the onset, make a prompt diagnosis and an accurate nutritional supplementation, and to avoid irreversible optic nerve atrophy. Nowadays, there is clear evidence of the role of cobalamin, folic acid, thiamine, and copper, whereas further studies are needed to define the role of niacin, riboflavin, and pyridoxine. This review aims to summarize the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of nutritional optic neuropathy, and it is addressed not only to ophthalmologists, but to all physicians who could come in contact with a patient with a possible nutritional optic neuropathy, being a fundamental multidisciplinary approach.