bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 to Alpha-Klotho Index Correlates with Systemic Sclerosis Activity: A Proposal for Novel Disease Activity Marker
Authors: Kotyla Przemyslaw , Kruszec-Zytniewska Aneta , Owczarek Aleksander , Olszanecka-Glinianowicz Magdalena , Chudek Jerzy
Published: December 2018

Systemic sclerosis, a connective tissue disease, is characterized by thickening of the skin, massive fibrosis of internal organs, vasculopathy, and immune system functioning aberration. Recently, vitamin D (VD) deficit, seen almost universally in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), has gained much attention. VD metabolism is precisely orchestrated at the level of the kidney by regulators: parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and their receptors with a FGF23 co-receptor—α-Klotho. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of VD, α-Klotho, FGF23 in SSc patients and to find the relationship between those parameters and disease activity. We enrolled 48 SSc patients with a diffuse variant of SSc and 23 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers that served as the control group (CG). Patients were characterized by lower level of VD in comparison to CG (19.8 (12.6–28.9) vs. 24.5 (21.3–31.5) ng/mL; p < 0.01), significantly reduced levels of iFGF23 (19.3 (12.1–30.5) vs. 73.9 (59.7–110.2) pg/mL p < 0.001), and similar α-Klotho concentrations (1415 ± 557 vs. 1526 ± 397 pg/mL), respective. None of these parameters correlated with the extent of skin involvement (modified Rodnan Skin Score) and disease activity according to Eustar 2017 guidelines. The FGF23/α-Klotho index was significantly reduced in SSc patients (0.013 (0.0081–0.025) vs. 0.055 (0.038–0.095); p < 0.001), and its log10 correlated (r = 0.35; p < 0.001) with disease activity score (Eular2017). Our data showed that the FGF23/α-Klotho index may be considered as a novel, potential marker of systemic sclerosis activity.
Pre-Operative Frailty Status Is Associated with Cardiac Rehabilitation Completion: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kimber Dustin E. , Kehler D. Scott , Lytwyn James , Boreskie Kevin F. , Jung Patrick , Alexander Bryce , Hiebert Brett M. , Dubiel Chris , Hamm Naomi C. , Stammers Andrew N. , Clarke Mekayla , Fraser Carly , Pedreira Brittany , Tangri Navdeep , Hay Jacqueline L. , Arora Rakesh C. , Duhamel Todd A.
Published: December 2018

While previous investigations have demonstrated the benefit of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on outcomes after cardiac surgery, the association between pre-operative frailty and post-operative CR completion is unclear. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to determine if pre-operative frailty scores impacted CR completion post-operatively and if CR completion influenced frailty scores in 114 cardiac surgery patients. Frailty was assessed with the use of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), the Modified Fried Criteria (MFC), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and the Functional Frailty Index (FFI). A Mann-Whitney test was used to compare frailty scores between CR completers and non-completers and changes in frailty scores from baseline to 1-year post-operation. CR non-completers were more frail than CR completers at pre-operative baseline based on the CFS (p = 0.01), MFC (p < 0.001), SPPB (p = 0.007), and the FFI (p < 0.001). A change in frailty scores from baseline to 1-year post-operation was not detected in either group using any of the four frailty assessments. However, greater improvements from baseline to 1-year post-operation in two MFC domains (cognitive impairment and low physical activity) and the physical domain of the FFI were found in CR completers as compared to CR non-completers. These data suggest that pre-operative frailty assessments have the potential to identify participants who are less likely to attend and complete CR. The data also suggest that frailty assessment tools need further refinement, as physical domains of frailty function appear to be more sensitive to change following CR than other domains of frailty.
Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with L-Citrulline Supplementation on Functional Capacities and Muscle Function in Dynapenic-Obese Older Adults
Authors: Buckinx Fanny , Gouspillou Gilles , Carvalho Livia P. , Marcangeli Vincent , El Hajj Boutros Guy , Dulac Maude , Noirez Philippe , Morais José A. , Gaudreau Pierette , Aubertin-Leheudre Mylène
Published: December 2018

Background: To compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) alone vs. HIIT combined with L-citrulline (CIT) supplementation on functional capacity and muscle function in dynapenic-obese elderly. Methods: A total of 56 obese (fat mass: men > 25%, women > 35%) and dynapenic (grip strength/body weight: women < 0.44, men < 0.61) subjects were recruited and divided in two groups: HIIT+CIT (n = 26; age: 6 5 ± four years) vs. HIIT+Placebo (PLA, n = 30; age: 68 ± four years). Participants followed a 12-week HIIT using an elliptical trainer. Participants took a single and isocaloric 10 g-dose of CIT or PLA every day. Body composition; functional and aerobic capacities; absolute or relative upper and lower limbs muscle strength, muscle power; and energy balance were measured pre and post intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved functional capacity and muscle function. However, HIIT+CIT demonstrated greater improvements in fast-paced Timed Up & Go (p = 0.04) and upper limbs muscle strength (absolute and relative) (p = 0.05) than HIIT+Placebo. Conclusion: CIT supplementation when combined with HIIT seems to induce greater improvements in upper limbs muscle strength and walking speed in dynapenic-obese elderly. Further studies are needed to confirm our results, to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of CIT and to define the long-term impact of CIT/HIIT.
Lean Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Have a Severe Histological Phenotype Similar to Obese Patients
Authors: Denkmayr Lukas , Feldman Alexandra , Stechemesser Lars , Eder Sebastian K. , Zandanell Stephan , Schranz Michael , Strasser Michael , Huber-Schönauer Ursula , Buch Stephan , Hampe Jochen , Paulweber Bernhard , Lackner Carolin , Haufe Heike , Sotlar Karl , Datz Christian , Aigner Elmar
Published: December 2018

A small proportion of lean patients develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to report the histological picture of lean NAFLD in comparison to overweight and obese NAFLD patients. Biopsy and clinical data from 466 patients diagnosed with NAFLD were stratified to groups according to body mass index (BMI): lean (BMI ≤ 25.0 kg/m², n confirmed to be appropriate = 74), overweight (BMI > 25.0 ≤ 30.0 kg/m², n = 242) and obese (BMI > 30.0 kg/m², n = 150). Lean NAFLD patients had a higher rate of lobular inflammation compared to overweight patients (12/74; 16.2% vs. 19/242; 7.9%; p = 0.011) but were similar to obese patients (25/150; 16.7%). Ballooning was observed in fewer overweight patients (38/242; 15.7%) compared to lean (19/74; 25.7%; p = 0.014) and obese patients (38/150; 25.3%; p = 0.006). Overweight patients had a lower rate of portal and periportal fibrosis (32/242; 13.2%) than lean (19/74; 25.7%; p = 0.019) and obese patients (37/150; 24.7%; p = 0.016). The rate of cirrhosis was higher in lean patients (6/74; 8.1%) compared to overweight (4/242; 1.7%; p = 0.010) and obese patients (3/150; 2.0% p = 0.027). In total, 60/466; 12.9% patients were diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The rate of NASH was higher in lean (14/74; 18.9% p = 0.01) and obese (26/150; 17.3%; p = 0.007) compared to overweight patients (20/242; 8.3%)). Among lean patients, fasting glucose, INR and use of thyroid hormone replacement therapy were independent predictors of NASH in a multivariate model. Lean NAFLD patients were characterized by a severe histological picture similar to obese patients but are more progressed compared to overweight patients. Fasting glucose, international normalized ratio (INR) and the use of thyroid hormone replacement may serve as indicators for NASH in lean patients.
Discovery of Potential Plant-Derived Peptide Deformylase (PDF) Inhibitors for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Using Computational Studies
Authors: Rampogu Shailima , Zeb Amir , Baek Ayoung , Park Chanin , Son Minky , Lee Keun Woo
Published: December 2018

Bacterial peptide deformylase (PDF) is an attractive target for developing novel inhibitors against several types of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The objective of the current study is to retrieve potential phytochemicals as prospective drugs against Staphylococcus aureus peptide deformylase (SaPDF). The current study focuses on applying ligand-based pharmacophore model (PharmL) and receptor-based pharmacophore (PharmR) approaches. Utilizing 20 known active compounds, pharmL was built and validated using Fischer’s randomization, test set method and the decoy set method. PharmR was generated from the knowledge imparted by the Interaction Generation protocol implemented on the Discovery Studio (DS) v4.5 and was validated using the decoy set that was employed for pharmL. The selection of pharmR was performed based upon the selectivity score and further utilizing the Pharmacophore Comparison module available on the DS. Subsequently, the validated pharmacophore models were escalated for Taiwan Indigenous Plants (TIP) database screening and furthermore, a drug-like evaluation was performed. Molecular docking was initiated for the resultant compounds, employing CDOCKER (available on the DS) and GOLD. Eventually, the stability of the final PDF–hit complexes was affirmed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation conducted by GROMACS v5.0.6. The redeemed hits demonstrated a similar binding mode and stable intermolecular interactions with the key residues, as determined by no aberrant behaviour for 30 ns. Taken together, it can be stated that the hits can act as putative scaffolds against SaPDF, with a higher therapeutic value. Furthermore, they can act as fundamental structures for designing new drug candidates.
The Importance of Time to Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Nadir after Primary Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Hormone-Naïve Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Sasaki Takeshi , Sugimura Yoshiki
Published: December 2018

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is currently the most useful biomarker for detection of prostate cancer (PCa). The ability to measure serum PSA levels has affected all aspects of PCa management over the past two decades. The standard initial systemic therapy for advanced PCa is androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). Although PCa patients with metastatic disease initially respond well to ADT, they often progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which has a high mortality rate. We have demonstrated that time to PSA nadir (TTN) after primary ADT is an important early predictor of overall survival and progression-free survival for advanced PCa patients. In in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that the presence of fibroblasts in the PCa tumor microenvironment can prolong the period for serum PSA decline after ADT, and enhance the efficacy of ADT. Clarification of the mechanisms that affect TTN after ADT could be useful to guide selection of optimal PCa treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss recent in vitro and in vivo findings concerning the involvement of stromal–epithelial interactions in the biological mechanism of TTN after ADT to support the novel concept of “tumor regulating fibroblasts”.
It’s about Time: Ossification Center Formation in C57BL/6 Mice from E12–E16
Authors: Flaherty Kevin , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: December 2018

The establishment of precise, high-resolution temporal sequences for morphogenetic events in laboratory mice remains a vexing issue in developmental biology. Mouse embryos collected at the same period of gestation, even those from the same litter, show wide variation in individual levels of progress along their developmental trajectory. Therefore, age at harvest does not provide sufficient information about developmental progress to serve as the basis for forming samples for the study of rapidly or near-simultaneously occurring events such as the sequence of ossification center formation. Here, we generate two measures of individual developmental progress (developmental age) for a large sample of mouse embryos using crown–rump lengths that measures size, and limbstaging ages produced by the embryonic Mouse Ontogenetic Staging System (eMOSS) that measure shape. Using these measures, we establish fine-grained sequences of ossification center appearance for mouse embryos. The two measures of developmental progress generate slightly different sequences of ossification center formation demonstrating that despite their tight correlation throughout the developmental period, size and shape are aspects of form that are at least partially dissociated in development.
Design and Evaluation of an Electrical Bioimpedance Device Based on DIBS for Myography during Isotonic Exercises
Authors: Sirtoli Vinicius , Morcelles Kaue , Gomez John , Bertemes-Filho Pedro
Published: December 2018

Electrical Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a technique used to assess passive electrical properties of biological materials. EIS detects physiological and pathological conditions in animal tissues. Recently, the introduction of broadband excitation signals has reduced the measuring time for application techniques such as Electrical Bioimpedance Myography. Therefore, this work is aimed at proposing a prototype by using discrete interval binary sequences (DIBS), which is based on a system that holds a current source, impedance acquisition system, microcontroller and graphical user interface. Measurements between 5 Ω to 5 kΩ had impedance acquisition and phase angle errors of aproximately 2% and were lower than 3 degrees, respectively. Based on a proposed circuit, bioimpedance of the chest muscle (Pectoralis Major) was measured during isotonic exercise (push-up). As a result, our analyses have detected tiredness and fatigue. We have explored and proposed new parameters which assess such conditions, as both the maximum magnitude and tiredness coefficient. These parameters decrease exponentially with consecutive push-ups and were convergent in the majority of the sixteen days of measurement.
Storm Surge Propagation and Flooding in Small Tidal Rivers during Events of Mixed Coastal and Fluvial Influence
Authors: Herdman Liv , Erikson Li , Barnard Patrick
Published: December 2018

The highly urbanized estuary of San Francisco Bay is an excellent example of a location susceptible to flooding from both coastal and fluvial influences. As part of developing a forecast model that integrates fluvial and oceanic drivers, a case study of the Napa River and its interactions with the San Francisco Bay was performed. For this application we utilize Delft3D-FM, a hydrodynamic model that computes conservation of mass and momentum on a flexible mesh grid, to calculate water levels that account for tidal forcing, storm surge generated by wind and pressure fields, and river flows. We simulated storms with realistic atmospheric pressure, river discharge, and tidal forcing to represent a realistic joint fluvial and coastal storm event. Storm conditions were applied to both a realistic field-scale Napa river drainage as well as an idealized geometry. With these scenarios, we determine how the extent, level, and duration of flooding is dependent on these atmospheric and hydrologic parameters. Unsurprisingly, the model indicates that maximal water levels will occur in a tidal river when high tides, storm surge, and large fluvial discharge events are coincident. Model results also show that large tidal amplitudes diminish storm surge propagation upstream and that phasing between peak fluvial discharges and high tide is important for predicting when and where the highest water levels will occur. The interactions between tides, river discharge, and storm surge are not simple, indicating the need for more integrated flood forecasting models in the future.
Activity Classification Feasibility Using Wearables: Considerations for Hip Fracture
Authors: Gupta Akash , Al-Anbuky Adnan , McNair Peter
Published: December 2018

Falls in the elderly are a common health issue that can involve severe injuries like hip fractures, requiring considerable medical attention, and subsequent care. Following surgery, physiotherapy is essential for strengthening muscles, mobilizing joints and fostering the return to physical activities. Ideally, physiotherapy programmes would benefit from active home-based monitoring of the elderly patients’ daily activities and exercises. This paper aims at providing a preliminary analysis addressing three key research questions. First, what are the key involved activities (at-hospital, home exercises, and activities of daily living) during the post-operative hip fracture rehabilitation process? Second, how can one monitor and identify a range of leg exercises accurately? Last, what is the most suitable sensor location that can categorize the majority of the physical activities thought to be important during the rehabilitation programme? During preliminary testing, it was noted that a standard deviation of the acceleration signal was suitable for classification of static activities like sitting, whereas classification of the ambulatory activities like walking, both the frequency content and related amplitude of the acceleration signal, plays a significant role. The research findings suggest that the ankle is an appropriate location for monitoring most of the leg movement physical activities.
Visitor Satisfaction with a Public Green Infrastructure and Urban Nature Space in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Parker Jackie , Simpson Greg D.
Published: December 2018

The widely applied Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) provides relatively simple and straightforward techniques to assess how well the attributes of a good or service perform in meeting the expectations of consumers, clients, users, and visitors. Surprisingly, IPA has rarely been applied to inform the management of urban public green infrastructure (PGI) or urban nature (UN) spaces. This case study explores the visitor satisfaction levels of people using a PGI space that incorporates UN, close to the central business district of Perth, Western Australia. With diminishing opportunities to acquire new PGI spaces within ever more densely populated urban centers, understanding, efficiently managing, and continuously improving existing spaces is crucial to accessing the benefits and services that PGI and UN provide for humankind. An intercept survey conducted within the Lake Claremont PGI space utilized a self-report questionnaire to gather qualitative and quantitative data (n = 393). This case study demonstrates how the IPA tool can assist urban planners and land managers to collect information about the attributes of quality PGI and UN spaces to monitor levels of service, to increase overall efficiency of site management, to inform future management decisions, and to optimize the allocation of scarce resources. The satisfaction of PGI users was analyzed using the IPA tool to determine where performance and/or resourcing of PGI attributes were not congruent with the expectations of PGI users (generally in the form of over-servicing or under-servicing). The IPA demonstrated that a majority of PGI users perceived the study site to be high performing and were satisfied with many of the assessed attributes. The survey identified the potential for some improvement of the amenity and/or infrastructure installations at the site, as well as directing attention towards a more effective utilization of scarce resources. Optimizing the management of PGI spaces will enhance opportunities for individuals to obtain the physiological, psychological, and emotional benefits that arise from experiencing quality urban PGI spaces. This case study promotes the important contribution that high-quality PGI spaces, which include remnant and restored UN spaces, make to the development of resilient and sustainable urban centers.
The Paleomineralogy of the Hadean Eon Revisited
Authors: Morrison Shaunna M. , Runyon Simone E. , Hazen Robert M.
Published: December 2018

A preliminary list of plausible near-surface minerals present during Earth’s Hadean Eon (>4.0 Ga) should be expanded to include: (1) phases that might have formed by precipitation of organic crystals prior to the rise of predation by cellular life; (2) minerals associated with large bolide impacts, especially through the generation of hydrothermal systems in circumferential fracture zones; and (3) local formation of minerals with relatively oxidized transition metals through abiological redox processes, such as photo-oxidation. Additional mineral diversity arises from the occurrence of some mineral species that form more than one ‘natural kind’, each with distinct chemical and morphological characteristics that arise by different paragenetic processes. Rare minerals, for example those containing essential B, Mo, or P, are not necessary for the origins of life. Rather, many common minerals incorporate those and other elements as trace and minor constituents. A rich variety of chemically reactive sites were thus available at the exposed surfaces of common Hadean rock-forming minerals.
Fucoidan-Manganese Dioxide Nanoparticles Potentiate Radiation Therapy by Co-Targeting Tumor Hypoxia and Angiogenesis
Authors: Shin Sung-Won , Jung Wooju , Choi Changhoon , Kim Shin-Yeong , Son Arang , Kim Hakyoung , Lee Nohyun , Park Hee Chul
Published: December 2018

Tumor hypoxia is a major mechanism of resistance to radiation therapy (RT), which is associated with poor prognosis in affected cancer patients. Various approaches to treat hypoxic and radioresistant cancers, including pancreatic cancer, have shown limited success. Fucoidan, a polysaccharide from brown seaweed, has antitumor and antiangiogenesis activities. Here, we discuss the development of fucoidan-coated manganese dioxide nanoparticles (Fuco-MnO2-NPs) and testing of the therapeutic potential with RT using pancreatic cancer models. In vitro data showed that Fuco-MnO2-NPs generated oxygen efficiently in the presence of H2O2 and substantially suppressed HIF-1 expression under a hypoxic condition in human pancreatic cancer cells. Fuco-MnO2-NPs reversed hypoxia-induced radioresistance by decreasing clonogenic survival and increasing DNA damage and apoptotic cell death in response to RT. In a BxPC3 xenograft mouse model, the combination treatment with Fuco-MnO2-NPs and RT resulted in a greater tumor growth delay than RT alone. Fucoidan-coated NPs, but not naked ones, further suppressed tumor angiogenesis, as judged by immunohistochemistry data with diminished expression of phosphorylated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and CD31. These data suggest that Fuco-MnO2-NPs may potentiate the effects of RT via dual targeting of tumor hypoxia and angiogenesis, and they are of great clinical potential in the treatment of hypoxic, radioresistant pancreatic cancer.
A New Approach for Indexing Honey for Its Heath/Medicinal Benefits: Visualization of the Concept by Indexing Based on Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Masalha Mahmud , Abu-Lafi Saleh , Abu-Farich Basheer , Rayan Mahmoud , Issa Nael , Zeidan Mouhammad , Rayan Anwar
Published: December 2018

Background: The goals of the current study were to address a new concept termed a health benefits’ index (HBI) and to verify the type of correlation between the pricing of honey and its HBI/medicinal properties. Diverse types of honey from different origins and places were investigated for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Methods: We have utilized a modified protocol of the DPPH assay for measuring free radical scavenging and the microdilution test for the determination of antibacterial/antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). MICs were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Candida albicans microorganisms. Employing a “combined benefits approach” enabled us to attach to each honey type a unique number of HBI that correlate with honey health and medicinal values. Results: The various types of honey demonstrated significant but variable antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Types of wildflower-labeled honey were found to have a wide range of HBI values and medicinal properties, probably due to their containing different nectar contents/phytochemicals. Moreover, an inconsiderable correlation was detected between the market prices of different types of honey and their HBIs. Conclusions: The proposed index of health benefits could be recalculated/updated following measurement of more and more medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. This index could be used as an effective tool for consumers of honey to evaluate the real value of the purchased product.
Microstructural Evolution of Reaction Layer of 1.5 GPa Boron Steel Hot-Dipped in Al-7wt%Ni-6wt%Si Alloy
Authors: Lee Jeong-Yong , Heo Hoejun , Kang Namhyun , Kang Chung-Yun
Published: December 2018

The constituents, distribution, and characteristics of the phases formed on the coating layer of boron steel hot-dipped in Al-7wt%Ni-6wt%Si were evaluated in detail. In particular, the microstructure and phase constitution of the reaction layer were characterized. Moreover, the microstructural evolution mechanism of the phase was presented with reference to the (Al-7wt%Ni-6wt%Si)-xFe from the pseudo-binary phase diagram. The solidification layer consisted mainly of Al, Al3Ni, and Si phases. Reaction layers were formed in the order of Al9FeNi(Τ), Fe4Al13(θ), and Fe2Al5(η) from the solidification layer side. In addition, the κ (Fe3AlC) layer was formed at the Fe2Al5(η)/steel interface. From pseudo-binary phase diagram analysis, it was found that Fe4Al13(θ) can form when the Fe concentration is over 2.63 wt% in the 690 °C Al-7wt%Ni-6wt%Si molten metal. When the concentration of Fe increased to 10.0–29.0 wt%, isothermal solidification occurred in the Fe4Al13(θ) and Al9FeNi(Τ) phases simultaneously. Moreover, given that the T phase does not dissolve Si, it was discharged, and the Si phase was formed around the Al9FeNi(T) phase. The Fe2Al5(η) phase was formed by a diffusion reaction between Fe4Al13(θ) and steel, not a dissolution reaction. Moreover, Al2Fe3Si3(τ1) was formed at the Fe4Al13(θ)-Fe2Al5(η) interface by discharging Si from Fe4Al13(θ) without Si solubility. Furthermore, the Fe3AlC(κ) layer was formed by carbon accumulation that discharged in the Fe2Al5(η) region transformed from steel to Fe2Al5(η). The twin regions in the Fe4Al13(θ) and Fe2Al5(η) grain were due to the strains caused by the lattice transformation in the constrained state, wherein the phases are present between the Al9FeNi(Τ) layer and steel.
Sliding Wear Behavior of Friction Couples Primarily Selected for Corrosion Resistance: Iron Boride/Iron Boride and Iron Boride/Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: D’Ans Pierre , Degrez Marc
Published: December 2018

Wear mitigation in a sliding couple is challenging if wear has to be minimized on both surfaces. In this paper, ball-on-disk testing is performed on sliding couples where both surfaces (ball and disk) are treated for wear resistance. Studied materials are pack borided H13 tool steel (ASTM A681), pack borided AISI 420 stainless steel (ASTM A276) and plasma sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Borided H13 steel exhibits a single phase Fe2B layer, while AISI 420 has a double phase layer, with FeB on the outer surface. Both FeB/Fe2B and FeB/YSZ couples generate three-body abrasion. In the latter case, mass transfer occurs from the ball to the disk as well. Friction coefficient is ~0.6 for the AISI 420/Fe2B and FeB/Fe2B sliding pairs, with less vibration on the latter and wear rates close to 10−3 mm³·(N·m)−1 for both the ball and the disk. In comparison, the FeB/YSZ pair has a friction coefficient of ~0.65, a similar total mass loss, but a much higher wear rate for YSZ than for FeB.
The Effect of Normalizing Temperature on the Short-Term Creep Rupture of the Simulated HAZ in Gr.91 Steel Welds
Authors: Wu Hao-Wei , Wu Tai-Jung , Shiue Ren-Kae , Tsay Leu-Wen
Published: December 2018

As-received Gr.91 steel tube was normalized at either 940 or 1060 °C for 1 h, followed by Ar-assisted cooling to room temperature, then tempered at 760 °C for 2 h. Those samples were designated as 940NT or 1060NT samples. An infrared heating system was used to simulate HAZ microstructures in the weld, which included over-tempering (OT) and partial transformation (PT) zones. The results of short-term creep tests showed that normalizing at higher temperature improved the creep resistance of the Gr.91 steel. By contrast, welding thermal cycles would shorten the creep life of the Gr.91 steel. Among the tested samples in each group, the PT samples had the shortest life to rupture, especially the 940NT-PT sample. The microstructures of the PT samples comprised of fine lath martensite and ferrite subgrains with carbides decorating the grain and subgrain boundaries. Excessive dislocation recovery, rapid coalescence of refined martensite laths, and growth of ferrite subgrains were responsible for the poorer creep resistance of the PT samples relative to those of the other samples.
Porosity Characteristics and Effect on Tensile Shear Strength of High-Strength Galvanized Steel Sheets after the Gas Metal Arc Welding Process
Authors: Shin Seungmin , Rhee Sehun
Published: December 2018

In this study, lap joint experiments were conducted using galvanized high-strength steel, SGAFH 590 FB 2.3 mmt, which was applied to automotive chassis components in the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process. Zinc residues were confirmed using a semi-quantitative energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of the porosity in the weld. In addition, a tensile shear test was performed to evaluate the weldability. Furthermore, the effect of porosity defects, such as blowholes and pits generated in the weld, on the tensile shear strength was experimentally verified by comparing the porosity at the weld section of the tensile test specimen with that measured through radiographic testing.
Assessment of Bioleaching Microbial Community Structure and Function Based on Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Gan Min , Zhu Jianyu , Liu Xinxing , Qiu Guanzhou
Published: December 2018

It is widely known that bioleaching microorganisms have to cope with the complex extreme environment in which microbial ecology relating to community structure and function varies across environmental types. However, analyses of microbial ecology of bioleaching bacteria is still a challenge. To address this challenge, numerous technologies have been developed. In recent years, high-throughput sequencing technologies enabling comprehensive sequencing analysis of cellular RNA and DNA within the reach of most laboratories have been added to the toolbox of microbial ecology. The next-generation sequencing technology allowing processing DNA sequences can produce available draft genomic sequences of more bioleaching bacteria, which provides the opportunity to predict models of genetic and metabolic potential of bioleaching bacteria and ultimately deepens our understanding of bioleaching microorganism. High-throughput sequencing that focuses on targeted phylogenetic marker 16S rRNA has been effectively applied to characterize the community diversity in an ore leaching environment. RNA-seq, another application of high-throughput sequencing to profile RNA, can be for both mapping and quantifying transcriptome and has demonstrated a high efficiency in quantifying the changing expression level of each transcript under different conditions. It has been demonstrated as a powerful tool for dissecting the relationship between genotype and phenotype, leading to interpreting functional elements of the genome and revealing molecular mechanisms of adaption. This review aims to describe the high-throughput sequencing approach for bioleaching environmental microorganisms, particularly focusing on its application associated with challenges.
Counter-Current Leaching of Low-Grade Laterites with Hydrochloric Acid and Proposed Purification Options of Pregnant Solution
Authors: Mystrioti Christiana , Papassiopi Nymphodora , Xenidis Anthimos , Komnitsas Konstantinos
Published: December 2018

A hydrochloric acid hydrometallurgical process was evaluated for Ni and Co extraction from a low-grade saprolitic laterite. The main characteristics of the process were (i) the application of a counter-current mode of operation as the main leaching step (CCL), and (ii) the treatment of pregnant leach solution (PLS) with a series of simple precipitation steps. It was found that, during CCL, co-dissolution of Fe was maintained at very low levels, i.e., about 0.6%, which improved the effectiveness of the subsequent PLS purification step. The treatment of PLS involved an initial precipitation step for the removal of trivalent metals, Fe, Al, and Cr, using Mg(OH)2. The process steps that followed aimed at separating Ni and Co from Mn and the alkaline earths Mg and Ca, by a combination of repetitive oxidative precipitation and dissolution steps. Magnesium and calcium remained in the aqueous phase, Mn was removed as a solid residue of Mn(III)–Mn(IV) oxides, while Ni and Co were recovered as a separate aqueous stream. It was found that the overall Ni and Co recoveries were 40% and 38%, respectively. About 45% of Ni and 37% of Co remained in the leach residue, while 15% Ni and 20% Co were lost in the Mn oxides.
Fluorine-Containing Dibenzoanthracene and Benzoperylene-Type Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Synthesis, Structure, and Basic Chemical Properties
Authors: Gotsu Otohiro , Shiota Tomomi , Fukumoto Hiroki , Kawasaki-Takasuka Tomoko , Yamazaki Takashi , Yajima Tomoko , Agou Tomohiro , Kubota Toshio
Published: December 2018

Intramolecular photocyclization of stilbene derivatives (Mallory reaction) is one of the efficient methods for building polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) frameworks, and is also expected to be applicable to synthesis of fluorine-containing PAHs (F-PAHs). In this study, dibenzoanthracene-type (4a) and benzoperylene-type (4b) F-PAHs were synthesized using the Mallory reaction of the 1,4-distyrylbenzene-type π-conjugated molecule (3a), which was prepared by addition-defluorination of available octafluorocyclopentene (OFCP) and aryllithium in three steps. The structure of 4a originating from π–π interaction was characterized by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The absorption maxima of UV-Vis spectra and emission maxima of photoluminescence spectra of the PAHs were positioned at a longer wavelength compared to those of the corresponding unsubstituted PAHs, presumably due to the electron-withdrawing nature of perfluorocyclopentene (PFCP) units. The effect of PFCP units in F-PAHs was also studied by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculation.
Quantum Mechanical/Molecular Mechanical Analysis of the Catalytic Mechanism of Phosphoserine Phosphatase
Authors: Krachtus Dieter , Smith Jeremy , Imhof Petra
Published: December 2018

Phosphoserine phosphatase (PSP), a member of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) superfamily that comprises the vast majority of phosphotransferases, is likely a steady-state regulator of the level of d-serine in the brain. The proposed catalytic cycle of PSP consists of a two-step mechanism: formation of a phospho-enzyme intermediate by phosphate transfer to Asp11 and its subsequent hydrolysis. Our combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations of the reaction pathways favour a dissociative mechanism of nucleophilic substitution via a trigonal-planar metaphosphate-like configuration for both steps, associated with proton transfer to the leaving group or from the nucleophile. This proton transfer is facilitated by active site residue Asp13 that acts as both a general base and a general acid. Free energy calculation on the reaction pathways further support the structural role of the enzymatic environment and the active site architecture. The choice of a proper reaction coordinate along which to bias the free energy calculations can be guided by a projection of the canonical reaction coordinate obtained from a chain-of-state optimisation onto important internal coordinates.
Drug Repurposing for Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection by Systems Biology Methods
Authors: Lv Bo-Min , Tong Xin-Yu , Quan Yuan , Liu Meng-Yuan , Zhang Qing-Ye , Song Yun-Feng , Zhang Hong-Yu
Published: December 2018

Japanese encephalitis is a zoonotic disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is mainly epidemic in Asia with an estimated 69,000 cases occurring per year. However, no approved agents are available for the treatment of JEV infection, and existing vaccines cannot control various types of JEV strains. Drug repurposing is a new concept for finding new indication of existing drugs, and, recently, the concept has been used to discover new antiviral agents. Identifying host proteins involved in the progress of JEV infection and using these proteins as targets are the center of drug repurposing for JEV infection. In this study, based on the gene expression data of JEV infection and the phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) data, we identified 286 genes that participate in the progress of JEV infection using systems biology methods. The enrichment analysis of these genes suggested that the genes identified by our methods were predominantly related to viral infection pathways and immune response-related pathways. We found that bortezomib, which can target these genes, may have an effect on the treatment of JEV infection. Subsequently, we evaluated the antiviral activity of bortezomib using a JEV-infected mouse model. The results showed that bortezomib can lower JEV-induced lethality in mice, alleviate suffering in JEV-infected mice and reduce the damage in brains caused by JEV infection. This work provides an agent with new indication to treat JEV infection.
Resveratrol-Induced White Adipose Tissue Browning in Obese Mice by Remodeling Fecal Microbiota
Authors: Liao Weiyao , Yin Xiaohan , Li Qingrong , Zhang Hongmin , Liu Zihui , Zheng Xinjie , Zheng Lin , Feng Xiang
Published: December 2018

Promoting the browning of white fat may be a potential means of combating obesity. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol (RES) on the body weight and browning of white fat in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and the potential associated mechanism in vivo. Eight-week-old male mice were randomized to receive different treatments: (1), chow without any additional treatment (chow); (2), chow plus 0.4% resveratrol (chow-RES); (3), HFD without any additional treatment (HFD); and (4), HFD plus 0.4% resveratrol (HFD-RES). After 4 weeks of feeding, additional 8-week-old male recipient mice were randomly allocated to the following 4 treatments: (5), HFD and received feces from chow-fed mice; (6), HFD and received feces from chow-RES-fed mice; (7), HFD and received feces from HFD-fed mice; and (8), HFD and received feces from HFD-RES-fed mice. RES treatment significantly inhibited increases in fat accumulation, promoted the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) and alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis in HFD-fed mice. Subsequent analyses showed that the gut microbiota remodeling induced by resveratrol had a positive role in WAT browning, and sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) signaling appears to be a key component of this process. Overall, the results show that RES may serve as a potential intervention to reduce obesity by alleviating dysbiosis of the gut microbiota.
Photochemical Reactions in Dialdehyde Starch
Authors: Ziegler-Borowska Marta , Wegrzynowska-Drzymalska Katarzyna , Chelminiak-Dudkiewicz Dorota , Kowalonek Jolanta , Kaczmarek Halina
Published: December 2018

In this study potato and corn starch were subjected to oxidation, using sodium periodate, to obtain dialdehyde starch (DAS) containing different amount of aldehyde groups. The obtained modified starch samples have been characterized with chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Then, the samples were exposed to polychromatic UV radiation and the course of photochemical reaction has been monitored with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The surface properties of the native and dialdehyde starch before and after UV-irradiation have been determined by contact angle measurements and calculation of surface free energy. The crystallinity of the samples has been estimated with X-ray diffraction (XRD). It has been proved that the dialdehyded corn starch contained a higher amount of functional groups was more photostable than the oxidized potato starch. Sodium iodide(V), firmly bound to DAS macromolecules, has been found to have a significant effect on the photooxidative degradation of the tested systems. In addition, the mechanism of photoinduced reactions in the dialdehyde starch has been proposed.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of C-glycosyl-flavones of Iris lactea Leaves by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chen Dan , Meng Yu , Zhu Yan , Wu Gang , Yuan Jun , Qin Minjian , Xie Guoyong
Published: December 2018

Iris lactea Pall. var. chinensis (Fisch.) Koidz. is a traditional medicinal plant resource. To make full use of the I. lactea plant resources, constituents of I. lactea leaves were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry and 22 C-glycosylflavones were identified or tentatively identified. Optimal extraction of I. lactea leaves was established via single factor investigations combined with response surface methodology. Then, HPLC coupled with a diode array detector was used to quantitatively analyze the six main components of 14 batches of I. lactea leaves grown in different areas. The results showed the C-glycosylflavones were the main components of I. lactea leaves, and the total contents of detected components were relatively stable for the majority of samples. These results provide a foundation for the development and utilization of I. lactea leaves.
Anisotropic Thermal Conduction in Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanocomposites with Rough Interfaces
Authors: Thomas Iorwerth O. , Srivastava Gyaneshwar P.
Published: December 2018

We present a theory of thermal conduction in a transition metal dichalcogenide nanocomposite structure with rough interfaces that accounts for the anisotropic conductivities of the host, the insert and the interface regions. The host and insert conductivities are calculated using a semi ab-initio method. The effects of specularity in phonon interface scattering and the thermal boundary resistance is incorporated through linking a phonon wavevector dependent specular scattering parameter to the average height of surface inhomogeneities, and the conductivity of the composite is calculated by employing an extension of a modified effective medium approach. Our work for spherical inserts of WS 2 in MoS 2 predicts that the effects of specular scattering due to surface roughness is more pronounced for inserts smaller than 100 nm, even at volume fractions of the order of 0.05.
A Gemini Cationic Lipid with Histidine Residues as a Novel Lipid-Based Gene Nanocarrier: A Biophysical and Biochemical Study
Authors: Martínez-Negro María , Blanco-Fernández Laura , Tentori Paolo M. , Pérez Lourdes , Pinazo Aurora , Tros de Ilarduya Conchita , Aicart Emilio , Junquera Elena
Published: December 2018

This work reports the synthesis of a novel gemini cationic lipid that incorporates two histidine-type head groups (C3(C16His)2). Mixed with a helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidyl ethanol amine (DOPE), it was used to transfect three different types of plasmid DNA: one encoding the green fluorescence protein (pEGFP-C3), one encoding a luciferase (pCMV-Luc), and a therapeutic anti-tumoral agent encoding interleukin-12 (pCMV-IL12). Complementary biophysical experiments (zeta potential, gel electrophoresis, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and fluorescence anisotropy) and biological studies (FACS, luminometry, and cytotoxicity) of these C3(C16His)2/DOPE-pDNA lipoplexes provided vast insight into their outcomes as gene carriers. They were found to efficiently compact and protect pDNA against DNase I degradation by forming nanoaggregates of 120–290 nm in size, which were further characterized as very fluidic lamellar structures based in a sandwich-type phase, with alternating layers of mixed lipids and an aqueous monolayer where the pDNA and counterions are located. The optimum formulations of these nanoaggregates were able to transfect the pDNAs into COS-7 and HeLa cells with high cell viability, comparable or superior to that of the standard Lipo2000*. The vast amount of information collected from the in vitro studies points to this histidine-based lipid nanocarrier as a potentially interesting candidate for future in vivo studies investigating specific gene therapies.
Effect of Surface Coating of Gold Nanoparticles on Cytotoxicity and Cell Cycle Progression
Authors: Li Qian , Huang Chun , Liu Liwei , Hu Rui , Qu Junle
Published: December 2018

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are usually wrapped with biocompatible polymers in biomedical field, however, the effect of biocompatible polymers of gold nanoparticles on cellular responses are still not fully understood. In this study, GNPs with/without polymer wrapping were used as model probes for the investigation of cytotoxicity and cell cycle progression. Our results show that the bovine serum albumin (BSA) coated GNPs (BSA-GNPs) had been transported into lysosomes after endocytosis. The lysosomal accumulation had then led to increased binding between kinesin 5 and microtubules, enhanced microtubule stabilization, and eventually induced G2/M arrest through the regulation of cadherin 1. In contrast, the bare GNPs experienced lysosomal escape, resulting in microtubule damage and G0/G1 arrest through the regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Overall, our findings showed that both naked and BSA wrapped gold nanoparticles had cytotoxicity, however, they affected cell proliferation via different pathways. This will greatly help us to regulate cell responses for different biomedical applications.
Polydopamine/Transferrin Hybrid Nanoparticles for Targeted Cell-Killing
Authors: Hauser Daniel , Estermann Manuela , Milosevic Ana , Steinmetz Lukas , Vanhecke Dimitri , Septiadi Dedy , Drasler Barbara , Petri-Fink Alke , Ball Vincent , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara
Published: December 2018

Polydopamine can form biocompatible particles that convert light into heat. Recently, a protocol has been optimized to synthesize polydopamine/protein hybrid nanoparticles that retain the biological function of proteins, and combine it with the stimuli-induced heat generation of polydopamine. We have utilized this novel system to form polydopamine particles, containing transferrin (PDA/Tf). Mouse melanoma cells, which strongly express the transferrin receptor, were exposed to PDA/Tf nanoparticles (NPs) and, subsequently, were irradiated with a UV laser. The cell death rate was monitored in real-time. When irradiated, the melanoma cells exposed to PDA/Tf NPs underwent apoptosis, faster than the control cells, pointing towards the ability of PDA/Tf to mediate UV-light-induced cell death. The system was also validated in an organotypic, 3D-printed tumor spheroid model, comprising mouse melanoma cells, and the exposure and subsequent irradiation with UV-light, yielded similar results to the 2D cell culture. The process of apoptosis was found to be targeted and mediated by the lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Therefore, the herein presented polydopamine/protein NPs constitute a versatile and stable system for cancer cell-targeting and photothermal apoptosis induction.