bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyaluronic Acid/Bone Substitute Complex Implanted on Chick Embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane Induces Osteoblastic Differentiation and Angiogenesis, but not Inflammation
Authors: Cirligeriu Laura , Cimpean Anca Maria , Calniceanu Horia , Vladau Mircea , Sarb Simona , Raica Marius , Nica Luminita
Published: December 2018

Microscopic and molecular events related to alveolar ridge augmentation are less known because of the lack of experimental models and limited molecular markers used to evaluate this process. We propose here the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) as an in vivo model to study the interaction between CAM and bone substitutes (B) combined with hyaluronic acid (BH), saline solution (BHS and BS, respectively), or both, aiming to point out the microscopic and molecular events assessed by Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX 2), osteonectin (SPARC), and Bone Morphogenic Protein 4 (BMP4). The BH complex induced osteoprogenitor and osteoblastic differentiation of CAM mesenchymal cells, certified by the RUNX2 +, BMP4 +, and SPARC + phenotypes capable of bone matrix synthesis and mineralization. A strong angiogenic response without inflammation was detected on microscopic specimens of the BH combination compared with an inflammatory induced angiogenesis for the BS and BHS combinations. A multilayered organization of the BH complex grafted on CAM was detected with a differential expression of RUNX2, BMP4, and SPARC. The BH complex induced CAM mesenchymal cells differentiation through osteoblastic lineage with a sustained angiogenic response not related with inflammation. Thus, bone granules resuspended in hyaluronic acid seem to be the best combination for a proper non-inflammatory response in alveolar ridge augmentation. The CAM model allows us to assess the early events of the bone substitutes–mesenchymal cells interaction related to osteoblastic differentiation, an important step in alveolar ridge augmentation.
Providing Antibacterial Activity to Poly(2-Hydroxy Ethyl Methacrylate) by Copolymerization with a Methacrylic Thiazolium Derivative
Authors: Muñoz-Bonilla Alexandra , López Daniel , Fernández-García Marta
Published: December 2018

Antimicrobial polymers and coatings are potent types of materials for fighting microbial infections, and as such, they have attracted increased attention in many fields. Here, a series of antimicrobial copolymers were prepared by radical copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), which is widely employed in the manufacturing of biomedical devices, and the monomer 2-(4-methylthiazol-5-yl)ethyl methacrylate (MTA), which bears thiazole side groups susceptible to quaternization, to provide a positive charge. The copolymers were further quantitatively quaternized with either methyl or butyl iodide, as demonstrated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Then, the polycations were characterized by zeta potential measurements to evaluate their effective charge and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to evaluate their thermal properties. The ζ-potential study revealed that the quaternized copolymers with intermediate compositions present higher charges than the corresponding homopolymers. The cationic copolymers showed greater glass transition temperatures than poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), with values higher than 100 °C, in particular those quaternized with methyl iodide. The TGA studies showed that the thermal stability of polycations varies with the composition, improving as the content of HEMA in the copolymer increases. Microbial assays targeting Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria confirmed that the incorporation of a low number of cationic units into PHEMA provides antimicrobial character with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 128 µg mL−1. Remarkably, copolymers with MTA molar fractions higher than 0.50 exhibited MIC values as low as 8 µg mL−1.
Functional Assessment of Patient-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Edited by CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Foltz Leah P. , Howden Sara E. , Thomson James A. , Clegg Dennis O.
Published: December 2018

Retinitis pigmentosa is the most common form of inherited blindness and can be caused by a multitude of different genetic mutations that lead to similar phenotypes. Specifically, mutations in ubiquitously expressed splicing factor proteins are known to cause an autosomal dominant form of the disease, but the retina-specific pathology of these mutations is not well understood. Fibroblasts from a patient with splicing factor retinitis pigmentosa caused by a missense mutation in the PRPF8 splicing factor were used to produce three diseased and three CRISPR/Cas9-corrected induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) clones. We differentiated each of these clones into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells via directed differentiation and analyzed the RPE cells in terms of gene and protein expression, apicobasal polarity, and phagocytic ability. We demonstrate that RPE cells can be produced from patient-derived and corrected cells and they exhibit morphology and functionality similar but not identical to wild-type RPE cells in vitro. Functionally, the RPE cells were able to establish apicobasal polarity and phagocytose photoreceptor outer segments at the same capacity as wild-type cells. These data suggest that patient-derived iPSCs, both diseased and corrected, are able to differentiate into RPE cells with a near normal phenotype and without differences in phagocytosis, a result that differs from previous mouse models. These RPE cells can now be studied to establish a disease-in-a-dish system relevant to retinitis pigmentosa.
The Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and Their Tissue Inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-3) in the Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus in Experimental Acanthamoebiasis
Authors: Łanocha-Arendarczyk Natalia , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena , Gutowska Izabela , Kolasa-Wołosiuk Agnieszka , Kot Karolina , Łanocha Aleksandra , Metryka Emilia , Wiszniewska Barbara , Chlubek Dariusz , Kosik-Bogacka Danuta
Published: December 2018

The pathological process occurring within the central nervous system (CNS) as a result of the infection by Acanthamoeba spp. is not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether Acanthamoeba spp. may affect the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2,-9), their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1,-3) and MMP-9/TIMP-1, MMP-2/TIMP-3 ratios in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, in relation to the host’s immunological status. Our results showed that Acanthamoeba spp. infection can change the levels of MMP and TIMP in the CNS and may be amenable targets for limiting amoebic encephalitis. The increase in the activity of matrix metalloproteinases during acanthamoebiasis may be primarily the result of inflammation process, probably an increased activity of proteolytic processes, but also (to a lesser extent) a defense mechanism preventing the processes of neurodegeneration.
Progression of Repair and Injury in Human Liver Slices
Authors: Vickers Alison E. M. , Ulyanov Anatoly V. , Fisher Robyn L.
Published: December 2018

Human liver slice function was stressed by daily dosing of acetaminophen (APAP) or diclofenac (DCF) to investigate injury and repair. Initially, untreated human liver and kidney slices were evaluated with the global human U133A array to assess the extended culture conditions. Then, drug induced injury and signals of repair in human liver slices exposed to APAP or DCF (1 mM) were evaluated via specific gene expression arrays. In culture, the untreated human liver and kidney slices remained differentiated and gene expression indicated that repair pathways were activated in both tissues. Morphologically the human liver slices exhibited evidence of repair and regeneration, while kidney slices did not. APAP and DCF exposure caused a direct multi-factorial response. APAP and DCF induced gene expression changes in transporters, oxidative stress and mitochondria energy. DCF caused a greater effect on heat shock and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress gene expression. Concerning wound repair, APAP caused a mild repression of gene expression; DCF suppressed the expression of matrix collagen genes, the remodeling metalloproteases, cell adhesion integrins, indicating a greater hinderance to wound repair than APAP. Thus, human liver slices are a relevant model to investigate the mechanisms of drug-induced injury and repair.
Editorial for the Special Issue on “ROBOETHICS”
Authors: Tzafestas Spyros G.
Published: December 2018

Ethical and social issues of robotics have attracted increasing attention from the scientific and technical community over the years. These issues arise particularly in mental and sensitive robotic applications, such as robot-based rehabilitation, social robot (sociorobot) applications, and military robot applications. The purpose of launching this Special Issue was to publish high-quality papers addressing timely and important aspects of roboethics, and to serve as a dissemination source of novel ideas demonstrating the necessity of roboethics. The papers finally included in the Special Issue deal with fundamental aspects and address interesting deep questions in the roboethics and robophililosophy field.
Long-Range Effects of Wing Physical Damage and Distortion on Eyespot Color Patterns in the Hindwing of the Blue Pansy Butterfly Junonia orithya
Authors: Otaki Joji
Published: December 2018

Butterfly eyespot color patterns have been studied using several different approaches, including applications of physical damage to the forewing. Here, damage and distortion experiments were performed, focusing on the hindwing eyespots of the blue pansy butterfly Junonia orithya. Physical puncture damage with a needle at the center of the eyespot reduced the eyespot size. Damage at the eyespot outer rings not only deformed the entire eyespot, but also diminished the eyespot core disk size, despite the distance from the damage site to the core disk. When damage was inflicted near the eyespot, the eyespot was drawn toward the damage site. The induction of an ectopic eyespot-like structure and its fusion with the innate eyespots were observed when damage was inflicted in the background area. When a small stainless ball was placed in close proximity to the eyespot using the forewing-lift method, the eyespot deformed toward the ball. Taken together, physical damage and distortion elicited long-range inhibitory, drawing (attracting), and inducing effects, suggesting that the innate and induced morphogenic signals travel long distances and interact with each other. These results are consistent with the distortion hypothesis, positing that physical distortions of wing tissue contribute to color pattern determination in butterfly wings.
Lateral Circulation in a Partially Stratified Tidal Inlet
Authors: Cui Linlin , Huang Haosheng , Li Chunyan , Justic Dubravko
Published: December 2018

Using a three-dimensional, hydrostatic, primitive-equation ocean model, this study investigates the dynamics of lateral circulation in a partially stratified tidal inlet, the Barataria Pass in the Gulf of Mexico, over a 25.6 h diurnal tidal cycle. Model performance is assessed against observational data. During flood tide, the lateral circulation exhibits the characteristics similar to those induced by differential advection, i.e., lateral flow consists of two counter-rotating cells and is convergent at the surface. The analysis of momentum balance indicates that, in addition to the pressure gradient and vertical stress divergence, nonlinear advection and horizontal stress divergence are also important contributors. During ebb phase, the lateral circulation is mostly toward the right shoal (when looking into the estuary) for the whole water column and persisting for almost the whole period. The surface divergence suggested by the differential advection mechanism lasts for a very short period, if it ever exists. The main momentum balance across most of the transect during ebb is between the along-channel advection of cross-channel momentum and pressure gradient. The sectional averaged lateral velocity magnitude during ebb is comparable to that during flood, which is different from the idealized numerical experiment result.
Green Fabrication of Supported Platinum Nanoparticles by Supercritical CO2 Deposition
Authors: Chen Ying-Liang , Tsai Cheng-Hsien , Chen Mei-Yin , Lai Yi-Chieh
Published: December 2018

Pt nanoparticles were successfully deposited on uncatalyzed carbon paper by the supercritical CO2 deposition (SCD) method using platinum (II) acetylacetonate as a precursor followed by thermal conversion. A full 24 factorial design (four factors, each with two levels) was used to investigate the main effect of four factors (deposition temperature, deposition time, reduction temperature, and reduction time) and the interaction effects between them. The morphological structures and surface properties of the Pt/carbon paper composite were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyzer (EDS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The results of the 24 factorial design showed that Pt loading on the substrate correlated significantly with deposition time, while Pt aggregation slightly increased with the thermal reduction temperature. Data obtained from both XRD and HR-TEM were in good agreement and showed that Pt nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed on the substrate with diameters of 7.2–8.7 nm.
PLA- and PLA/PLGA-Emulsion Composite Biomaterial Sheets for the Controllable Sustained Release of Hydrophilic Compounds
Authors: Moroishi Hitomi , Sonotaki Seiichi , Murakami Yoshihiko
Published: December 2018

In the present study, by spin-coating a solution containing w/o (water-in-oil) emulsions and hydrophobic polymers, we obtained sheets possessing uniformly dispersed w/o emulsions. We performed release experiments for more than 100 days and clarified the effects of the number of layers, the sheet-forming polymers (polylactide (PLA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)), the ratio of organic solvent to water, and the composition of block copolymers on the release properties of the sheets. For a variety of sheets, we successfully achieved the sustained release of compounds from the sheets for 100–150 days. The sustained-release of compounds occurred because the compounds had to diffuse into polymer networks after their release from the emulsions. Interestingly, we observed an inflection point in the release profiles at around 50 days; that is, the sheet exhibited a “two-step” release behavior. The results obtained in the present study provide strong evidence for the future possibility of the time-programmed release of multiple compounds from sheets.
An Ultra-Wideband THz/IR Metamaterial Absorber Based on Doped Silicon
Authors: Liu Huafeng , Luo Kai , Tang Shihao , Peng Danhua , Hu Fangjing , Tu Liangcheng
Published: December 2018

Metamaterial-based absorbers have been extensively investigated in the terahertz (THz) range with ever increasing performances. In this paper, we propose an all-dielectric THz absorber based on doped silicon. The unit cell consists of a silicon cross resonator with an internal cross-shaped air cavity. Numerical results suggest that the proposed absorber can operate from THz to far-infrared regimes, having an average power absorption of ∼95% between 0.6 and 10 THz. Experimental results using THz time-domain spectroscopy show a good agreement with simulations. The underlying mechanisms for broadband absorption are attributed to the combined effects of multiple cavities modes formed by silicon resonators and bulk absorption in the doped silicon substrate, as confirmed by simulated field patterns and calculated diffraction efficiency. This ultra-wideband absorption is polarization insensitive and can operate across a wide range of the incident angle. The proposed absorber can be readily integrated into silicon-based photonic platforms and used for sensing, imaging, energy harvesting and wireless communications applications in the THz/IR range.
Fabrication of Functional Carbon/Magnetic Nanocomposites as A Promising Model of Utilization of Used Crosslinked Polymers
Authors: Alosmanov Rasim , Imanova Jennet , Wolski Karol , Ziemmermann Ralf , Fiejdasz Sylwia , Przewoźnik Janusz , Goc Kamil , Kapusta Czesław , Zapotoczny Szczepan , Szuwarzyński Michał
Published: December 2018

The utilization of used crosslinked functional polymers (CFP) applied as sorbents or ion-exchangers is a great challenge arising from the need to protect the environment. In this paper we report a very promising way of obtaining carbon/magnetic composites based on metal (Co2+; Ni2+; Fe3+) derivatives of butadiene rubber-based phosphorus-containing polymer, which were treated as the model used CFP. We proposed a facile one-step thermal degradation approach to transform used CFP into carbon/magnetic composites (CMC). The obtained CMCs contained a mixture of metal phosphates and metal phosphides that exhibited strong magnetic properties due to the presence of nanosized metal derivatives with diameters of 100–140 nm. Structural and morphological changes of CFP and CMC after thermal degradation were investigated by the FTIR technique, X-ray Diffraction analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope, and Atomic Force Microscope–Magnetic Force Microscope. Moreover, thermal degradation kinetics parameters were determined to optimize the efficiency of the process.
Aggregating a Plankton Food Web: Mathematical versus Biological Approaches
Authors: Jordán Ferenc , Endrédi Anett , Liu Wei-chung , D’Alelio Domenico
Published: December 2018

Species are embedded in a web of intricate trophic interactions. Understanding the functional role of species in food webs is of fundamental interests. This is related to food web position, so positional similarity may provide information about functional overlap. Defining and quantifying similar trophic functioning can be addressed in different ways. We consider two approaches. One is of mathematical nature involving network analysis where unique species can be defined as those whose topological position is very different to others in the same food web. A species is unique if it has very different connection pattern compared to others. The second approach is of biological nature, based on trait-based aggregations. Unique species are not easy to aggregate with others because their traits are not in common with the ones of most others. Our goal here is to illustrate how mathematics can provide an alternative perspective on species aggregation, and how this is related to its biological counterpart. We illustrate these approaches using a toy food web and a real food web and demonstrate the sensitive relationships between those approaches. The trait-based aggregation focusing on the trait values of size (sv) can be best predicted by the mathematical aggregation algorithms.
Marine Compound Xyloketal B as a Potential Drug Development Target for Neuroprotection
Authors: Gong Haifan , Luo Zhengwei , Chen Wenliang , Feng Zhong-Ping , Wang Guan-Lei , Sun Hong-Shuo
Published: December 2018

Xyloketal B is a natural compound isolated from the mangrove fungus, Xylaria sp. in the South China Sea. In the past decade, studies have shown that xyloketal B exhibits anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic abilities and may serve as a treatment for ischemic stroke. Xyloketal B has been shown to interact with both neurons and residential microglial cells and regulate a number of proteins involved in the apoptotic events during ischemia. Such mechanisms include inhibition of specific NADPH oxidase subunits, upregulation of HO-1, increase of Bcl-1/Bax ratio, and downregulation of TLR4 receptor. Both in vitro and in vivo stroke models have validated its potential in preventing ischemia-induced neuronal cell death. This review summarizes our current understanding of the effects of xyloketal B in ischemic conditions. As stroke ranks second in the causes of mortality worldwide and still lacks effective treatment, it is necessary to seek novel therapeutic options. Understanding the role of xyloketal B in ischemic stroke could reveal a new aspect of stroke treatment.
Metabolites from the Paracel Islands Soft Coral Sinularia cf. molesta
Authors: Chu Mei-Jun , Tang Xu-Li , Han Xiao , Li Tao , Luo Xiang-Chao , Jiang Ming-Ming , Van Ofwegen Leen , Luo Lian-Zhong , Zhang Gang , Li Ping-Lin , Li Guo-Qiang
Published: December 2018

Five new oxygenated sesquiterpenes, molestins A–D (1, 3–5) and epi-gibberodione (2), three new cyclopentenone derivatives, ent-sinulolides C, D, and F ((+)-9–(+)-11), one new butenolide derivative, ent-sinulolide H ((+)-13), and one new cembranolide, molestin E (14), together with 14 known related metabolites (6–8, (–)-9–(–)-11, (±)-12, (–)-13, 15–19) were isolated from the Paracel Islands soft coral Sinularia cf. molesta. The structures and absolute configurations were elucidated based on comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, quantum chemical calculations, and comparison with the literature data. Compound 5 is the first example of a norsesquiterpene with a de-isopropyl guaiane skeleton isolated from the genus Sinularia. Molestin E (14) exhibited cytotoxicities against HeLa and HCT-116 cell lines with IC50 values of 5.26 and 8.37 μM, respectively. Compounds 4, 5, and 8 showed significant inhibitory activities against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) with IC50 values of 218, 344, and 1.24 μM, respectively.
Synergistic AML Cell Death Induction by Marine Cytotoxin (+)-1(R), 6(S), 1’(R), 6’(S), 11(R), 17(S)-Fistularin-3 and Bcl-2 Inhibitor Venetoclax
Authors: Florean Cristina , Kim Kyung Rok , Schnekenburger Michael , Kim Hyun-Jung , Moriou Céline , Debitus Cécile , Dicato Mario , Al-Mourabit Ali , Han Byung Woo , Diederich Marc
Published: December 2018

Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients is still hindered by resistance and relapse, resulting in an overall poor survival rate. Recently, combining specific B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 inhibitors with compounds downregulating myeloid cell leukemia (Mcl)-1 has been proposed as a new effective strategy to eradicate resistant AML cells. We show here that 1(R), 6(S), 1’(R), 6’(S), 11(R), 17(S)-fistularin-3, a bromotyrosine compound of the fistularin family, isolated from the marine sponge Suberea clavata, synergizes with Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199 to efficiently kill Mcl-1/Bcl-2-positive AML cell lines, associated with Mcl-1 downregulation and endoplasmic reticulum stress induction. The absolute configuration of carbons 11 and 17 of the fistularin-3 stereoisomer was fully resolved in this study for the first time, showing that the fistularin we isolated from the marine sponge Subarea clavata is in fact the (+)-11(R), 17(S)-fistularin-3 stereoisomer keeping the known configuration 1(R), 6(S), 1’(R), and 6’(S) for the verongidoic acid part. Docking studies and in vitro assays confirm the potential of this family of molecules to inhibit DNA methyltransferase 1 activity.
Dissolution of Scrap in Hot Metal under Linz–Donawitz (LD) Steelmaking Conditions
Authors: Penz Florian Markus , Schenk Johannes , Ammer Rainer , Klösch Gerald , Pastucha Krzysztof
Published: December 2018

One of the main charging materials of the Linz–Donawitz oxygen steelmaking process (LD) is scrap. Scrap acts as a coolant for the exothermic reactions inside the LD vessel and as an iron source in addition to hot metal. The optimization of the LD process is focused, amongst other factors, on thermodynamic and kinetic modelling. The results of simulations have to be validated in close to reality laboratory-scale experiments. A study was made on the dissolution behavior of common steel scrap in carbon-saturated hot metal which is charged into LD converters. In order to examine the effect of several parameters on diffusive scrap melting, the difference between stagnant and dynamic dissolution as well as the influence of the hot metal temperature were investigated. Using a literature-based equation the mass transfer coefficient of carbon between the solid scrap and the liquid hot metal was evaluated. The ranges of values of the ablation rate and the mass transfer coefficient for the appropriate systems are pointed out, resulting in a significant dependence of the investigated parameters.
Sacrificial Layer Technique for Releasing Metallized Multilayer SU-8 Devices
Authors: Tatikonda Anand , Jokinen Ville P. , Evard Hanno , Franssila Sami
Published: December 2018

The low fabrication cost of SU-8-based devices has opened the fields of point-of-care devices (POC), µTAS and Lab-on-Chip technologies, which call for cheap and disposable devices. Often this translates to free-standing, suspended devices and a reusable carrier wafer. This necessitates a sacrificial layer to release the devices from the substrates. Both inorganic (metals and oxides) and organic materials (polymers) have been used as sacrificial materials, but they fall short for fabrication and releasing multilayer SU-8 devices. We propose photoresist AZ 15nXT (MicroChemicals GmbH, Ulm, Germany) to be used as a sacrificial layer. AZ 15nXT is stable during SU-8 processing, making it suitable for fabricating free-standing multilayer devices. We show two methods for cross-linking AZ 15nXT for stable sacrificial layers and three routes for sacrificial release of the multilayer SU-8 devices. We demonstrate the capability of our release processes by fabrication of a three-layer free-standing microfluidic electrospray ionization (ESI) chip and a free-standing multilayer device with electrodes in a microchannel.
Remote Phonon Scattering in Two-Dimensional InSe FETs with High-κ Gate Stack
Authors: Chang Pengying , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Fei , Du Gang
Published: December 2018

This work focuses on the effect of remote phonon arising from the substrate and high-κ gate dielectric on electron mobility in two-dimensional (2D) InSe field-effect transistors (FETs). The electrostatic characteristic under quantum confinement is derived by self-consistently solving the Poisson and Schrödinger equations using the effective mass approximation. Then mobility is calculated by the Kubo–Greenwood formula accounting for the remote phonon scattering (RPS) as well as the intrinsic phonon scatterings, including the acoustic phonon, homopolar phonon, optical phonon scatterings, and Fröhlich interaction. Using the above method, the mobility degradation due to remote phonon is comprehensively explored in single- and dual-gate InSe FETs utilizing SiO2, Al2O3, and HfO2 as gate dielectric respectively. We unveil the origin of temperature, inversion density, and thickness dependence of carrier mobility. Simulations indicate that remote phonon and Fröhlich interaction plays a comparatively major role in determining the electron transport in InSe. Mobility is more severely degraded by remote phonon of HfO2 dielectric than Al2O3 and SiO2 dielectric, which can be effectively insulated by introducing a SiO2 interfacial layer between the high-κ dielectric and InSe. Due to its smaller in-plane and quantization effective masses, mobility begins to increase at higher density as carriers become degenerate, and mobility degradation with a reduced layer number is much stronger in InSe compared with MoS2.
One-Step Preparation of Durable Super-Hydrophobic MSR/SiO2 Coatings by Suspension Air Spraying
Authors: Huang Zhengyong , Xu Wenjie , Wang Yu , Wang Haohuan , Zhang Ruiqi , Song Ximing , Li Jian
Published: December 2018

In this study, we develop a facial one-step approach to prepare durable super-hydrophobic coatings on glass surfaces. The hydrophobic characteristics, corrosive liquid resistance, and mechanical durability of the super-hydrophobic surface are presented. The as-prepared super-hydrophobic surface exhibits a water contact angle (WCA) of 157.2° and contact angle hysteresis of 2.3°. Mico/nano hierarchical structures and elements of silicon and fluorine is observed on super-hydrophobic surfaces. The adhesion strength and hardness of the surface are determined to be 1st level and 4H, respectively. The coating is, thus, capable of maintaining super-hydrophobic state after sand grinding with a load of 200 g and wear distances of 700 mm. The rough surface retained after severe mechanical abrasion observed by atomic force microscope (AFM) microscopically proves the durable origin of the super-hydrophobic coating. Results demonstrate the feasibility of production of the durable super-hydrophobic coating via enhancing its adhesion strength and surface hardness.
Au@Cu Nanoarrays with Uniform Long-Range Ordered Structure: Synthesis and SERS Applications
Authors: Zhang Pinhua , Sun Haoming , Guan Wenhui , Liang Jinjin , Zhu Xiaomeng , Zhang Junkai , Chen Min , Cao Meng , Qian Wenbing , Gao Kefu , Cui Guangliang
Published: December 2018

The nanostructures with uniform long-range ordered structure are of crucial importance for performance standardization of high-quality surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra. In this paper, we described the fabrication and SERS properties of Au decorated Cu (Au@Cu) nanoarrays. The Cu nanoarrays with uniform long-range ordered structure were first synthesized by in-situ electrochemistry assembly on insulated substrate. The Cu nanoarrays can reach a size of centimeters with strictly periodic nano-microstructure, which is beneficial for the production and performance standardization of SERS substrates. Then Au nanoparticals were decorated on the Cu nanoarrays by galvanic reaction without any capping agent. The obtained Au@Cu nanoarrays exhibit excellent SERS activity for 4-Mercaptopyridine, and the sensitivity limit is as low as 10−8 M. Therefore, this facile route provides a useful platform for the fabrication of SERS substrates based on nano ordered arrays.
Demulsification of Kerosene/Water Emulsion in the Transparent Asymmetric Plate-Type Micro-Channel
Authors: Ruan Da , Hamiti Diliyaer , Ma Zheng-Dong , Pu Ya-Dong , Chen Xiao
Published: December 2018

Asymmetric plate-type micro-channels (APM) have one hydrophobic wall and one hydrophilic wall. By flowing through APM, a kerosene-in-water emulsion can be de-emulsified in one second. To date, however, the demulsification process in the APM is still a black box. In order to observe the demulsification process directly, transparent asymmetric plate-type micro-channels (TAPM) were fabricated with two surface-modified glass plates. Emulsions with oil contents of 10%, 30%, and 50% were pumped through TAPM with heights of 39.2 μm and 159.5 μm. The movement and coalescence of oil droplets (the dispersed phase of a kerosene-in-water emulsion) in the TAPM were observed directly with an optical microscope. By analyzing videos and photographs, it was found that the demulsification process included three steps: oil droplets flowed against and were adsorbed on the hydrophobic wall, then oil droplets coalesced to form larger droplets, whereupon the oil phase was separated. The experimental results showed that the demulsification efficiency was approximately proportional to the oil content (30–50%) of the emulsions and increased when the micro-channel height was reduced.
Integration Method of Microchannel and Vertical Micromesh Structure for Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Using Inclined Exposure and Inclined Oxygen Ashing
Authors: Ueno Hidetaka , Yamada Kou , Suzuki Takaaki
Published: December 2018

Culturing cellular tissues inside a microchannel using an artificial three-dimensional (3D) microstructure is normally conducted to elucidate and reproduce a biological function. The thick photoresist SU-8, which has a microscale resolution and high aspect ratio, is widely used for the fabrication of microchannels and scaffolds having 3D structures for cell culture. However, it is difficult to accurately fabricate a mesh structure with a pore size that is smaller than the cells that has an overall height greater than 50 μm because of the deterioration of the verticality of exposure light and the diffusion of acid, which accelerates the crosslinking reaction in the SU-8 layer. In this study, we propose a method of integrating a vertical porous membrane into a microchannel. The resolution of the vertical porous membrane becomes more accurate through inclined oxygen ashing, without degrading the robustness. Because a single mask pattern is required for the proposed method, assembly error is not generated using the assembly-free process. The fabricated vertical porous membrane in the microchannel contained micropores that were smaller than the cells and sufficiently robust for a microfluidic system. HepG2 cells were attached three-dimensionally on the fabricated vertical porous membrane to demonstrate 3D cell culture.
Carmeltazite, ZrAl2Ti4O11, a New Mineral Trapped in Corundum from Volcanic Rocks of Mt Carmel, Northern Israel
Authors: Griffin William L. , Gain Sarah E. M. , Bindi Luca , Toledo Vered , Cámara Fernando , Saunders Martin , O’Reilly Suzanne Y.
Published: December 2018

The new mineral species carmeltazite, ideally ZrAl2Ti4O11, was discovered in pockets of trapped melt interstitial to, or included in, corundum xenocrysts from the Cretaceous Mt Carmel volcanics of northern Israel, associated with corundum, tistarite, anorthite, osbornite, an unnamed REE (Rare Earth Element) phase, in a Ca-Mg-Al-Si-O glass. In reflected light, carmeltazite is weakly to moderately bireflectant and weakly pleochroic from dark brown to dark green. Internal reflections are absent. Under crossed polars, the mineral is anisotropic, without characteristic rotation tints. Reflectance values for the four COM wavelengths (Rmin, Rmax (%) (λ in nm)) are: 21.8, 22.9 (471.1); 21.0, 21.6 (548.3), 19.9, 20.7 (586.6); and 18.5, 19.8 (652.3). Electron microprobe analysis (average of eight spot analyses) gave, on the basis of 11 oxygen atoms per formula unit and assuming all Ti and Sc as trivalent, the chemical formula (Ti3+3.60Al1.89Zr1.04Mg0.24Si0.13Sc0.06Ca0.05Y0.02Hf0.01)Σ=7.04O11. The simplified formula is ZrAl2Ti4O11, which requires ZrO2 24.03, Al2O3 19.88, and Ti2O3 56.09, totaling 100.00 wt %. The main diffraction lines, corresponding to multiple hkl indices, are (d in Å (relative visual intensity)): 5.04 (65), 4.09 (60), 2.961 (100), 2.885 (40), and 2.047 (60). The crystal structure study revealed carmeltazite to be orthorhombic, space group Pnma, with unit-cell parameters a = 14.0951 (9), b = 5.8123 (4), c = 10.0848 (7) Å, V = 826.2 (1) Å3, and Z = 4. The crystal structure was refined to a final R1 = 0.0216 for 1165 observed reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo). Carmeltazite exhibits a structural arrangement similar to that observed in a defective spinel structure. The name carmeltazite derives from Mt Carmel (“CARMEL”) and from the dominant metals present in the mineral, i.e., Titanium, Aluminum and Zirconium (“TAZ”). The mineral and its name have been approved by the IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (2018-103).
Structures and Bioactive Properties of Myrtucommulones and Related Acylphloroglucinols from Myrtaceae
Authors: Nicoletti Rosario , Salvatore Maria Michela , Ferranti Pasquale , Andolfi Anna
Published: December 2018

Myrtaceae are a group of plants that include a number of renowned species used in ethnomedicine in many areas worldwide. Their valuable therapeutic properties have stimulated a fruitful research activity addressed to the identification of the bioactive components of their extracts yielding a great diversity of terpenes; polyphenols; and other exclusive products. Among the latter, starting with the discovery of myrtucommulone A from myrtle (Myrtus communis), a series of structurally-related acylphloroglucinol compounds have been characterized from several species that represent the basic active principles to be considered in view of possible drug development. Aspects concerning chemical and biological properties of these products are reviewed in the present paper.
Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and Inhibition toward Digestive Enzymes with Molecular Docking Analysis of Different Fractions from Prinsepia utilis Royle Fruits
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Jia Yijia , Ma Yanli , Cheng Guiguang , Cai Shengbao
Published: December 2018

The present study investigated the phenolic profiles and antioxidant properties of different fractions from Prinsepia utilis Royle fruits using molecular docking analysis to delineate their inhibition toward digestive enzymes. A total of 20 phenolics was identified and quantified. Rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside were the major phenolic compounds in the total phenolic fraction and flavonoid-rich fraction. The anthocyanin-rich fraction mainly contained cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside. All of the fractions exhibited strong radical scavenging activities and good inhibition on cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in H2O2-induced HepG2 cells, as evaluated by DPPH and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Moreover, the powerful inhibitory effects of those fractions against pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase were observed. The major phenolic compounds that were found in the three fractions also showed good digestive enzyme inhibitory activities in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking analysis revealed the underlying inhibition mechanisms of those phenolic standards against digestive enzymes, and the theoretical analysis data were consistent with the experimental results.
Diagnosis of Bacterial Pathogens in the Urine of Urinary-Tract-Infection Patients Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Tien Ni , Lin Tzu-Hsien , Hung Zen-Chao , Lin Hsiu-Shen , Wang I-Kuan , Chen Hung-Chih , Chang Chiz-Tzung
Published: December 2018

(1) Background: surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a novel method for bacteria identification. However, reported applications of SERS in clinical diagnosis are limited. In this study, we used cylindrical SERS chips to detect urine pathogens in urinary tract infection (UTI) patients. (2) Methods: Urine samples were retrieved from 108 UTI patients. A 10 mL urine sample was sent to conventional bacterial culture as a reference. Another 10 mL urine sample was loaded on a SERS chip for bacteria identification and antibiotic susceptibility. We concentrated the urine specimen if the intensity of the Raman spectrum required enhancement. The resulting Raman spectrum was analyzed by a recognition software to compare with spectrum-form reference bacteria and was further confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). (3) Results: There were 97 samples with single bacteria species identified by conventional urine culture and, among them, 93 can be successfully identified by using SERS without sample concentration. There were four samples that needed concentration for bacteria identification. Antibiotic susceptibility can also be found by SERS. There were seven mixed flora infections found by conventional culture, which can only be identified by the PCA method. (4) Conclusions: SERS can be used in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection with the aid of the recognition software and PCA.
Construction of Novel Aspartokinase Mutant A380I and Its Characterization by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Han Caijing , Fang Li , Liu Chunlei , Gao Yunna , Min Weihong
Published: December 2018

In this study, a novel monomer aspartokinase (AK) from Corynebacterium pekinense was identified, and its monomer model was constructed. Site 380 was identified by homologous sequencing and monomer model comparison as the key site which was conserved and located around the binding site of the inhibitor Lys. Furthermore, the mutant A380I with enzyme activity 11.32-fold higher than wild type AK (WT-AK), was obtained by site-directed mutagenesis and high throughput screening. In the mutant A380I, the optimal temperature was raised from 26 °C (WT-AK) to 28 °C, the optimal pH remained unchanged at 8.0, and the half-life was prolonged from 4.5 h (WT-AK) to 6.0 h, indicating enhanced thermal stability. The inhibition of A380I was weakened at various inhibitor concentrations and even activated at certain inhibitor concentrations (10 mM of Lys, 5 mM or 10 mM of Lys + Thr, 10 mM of Lys + Met, 5 mM of Lys + Thr + Met). Molecular dynamics simulation results indicated that the occupancy rate of hydrogen bond between A380I and ATP was enhanced, the effect of Lys (inhibitor) on the protein was weakened, and the angle between Ser281-Tyre358 and Asp359-Gly427 was increased after mutation, leading to an open conformation (R-state) that favored the binding of substrate.
Multifunctional Flax Fibres Based on the Combined Effect of Silver and Zinc Oxide (Ag/ZnO) Nanostructures
Authors: Costa Sofia M. , Ferreira Diana P. , Ferreira Armando , Vaz Filipe , Fangueiro Raul
Published: December 2018

Cellulosic fibre-based smart materials exhibiting multiple capabilities are getting tremendous attention due to their wide application areas. In this work, multifunctional flax fabrics with piezoresistive response were developed through the combined functionalization with silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). Biodegradable polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to produce AgNPs, whereas ZnONPs were synthetized via a simple and low-cost method. Flax fabrics with and without NPs were characterized by Ground State Diffuse Reflectance (GSDR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). After creating a conductive surface by flax functionalization with AgNPs, ZnONPs were synthetized onto these fabrics. The developed fibrous systems exhibited piezoresistive response and the sensor sensitivity increased with the use of higher ZnO precursor concentrations (0.4 M). Functionalized fabrics exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, higher hydrophobicity (WCA changed from 00 to >1000), UV radiation resistance, and wash durability. Overall, this work provides new insights regarding the bifunctionalization of flax fabrics with Ag/ZnO nanostructures and brings new findings about the combined effect of both NPs for the development of piezoresistive textile sensors with multifunctional properties.
Gut Microbiota and Endothelial Dysfunction Markers in Obese Mexican Children and Adolescents
Authors: Nirmalkar Khemlal , Murugesan Selvasankar , Pizano-Zárate María Luisa , Villalobos-Flores Loan Edel , García-González Cristina , Morales-Hernández Rosa María , Nuñez-Hernández Jorge Arturo , Hernández-Quiroz Fernando , Romero-Figueroa María del Socorro , Hernández-Guerrero César , Hoyo-Vadillo Carlos , García-Mena Jaime
Published: December 2018

Obesity is a metabolic disease characterized by low-grade inflammation and accompanied by dyslipidemia and up-regulation of other bioactive molecules, creating a predisposition to endothelial dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. We studied the association between gut microbiota diversity and endothelial dysfunction (EDF) markers in obese Mexican children and adolescents. We examined clinical data including metabolic factors and EDF markers in blood samples. Gut bacterial diversity was characterized by high-throughput sequencing of V3-16S rDNA libraries. Triglycerides, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistant (HOMA-IR), leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and EDF marker intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) were significantly higher in obese children and adolescents. Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant positive associations between vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and Veillonellaceae, and between ICAM-1 and Ruminococcus in obese children. In obese adolescents, there was a statistically significant positive association between total cholesterol and Ruminococcus, and between ICAM-1 and Bacteroides. LEfSe analysis showed that the genus Lactobacillus and family Coriobacteriaceae were enriched in children, and genera Collinsella and Prevotella were enriched in obese adolescents. Obese children and adolescents had higher levels of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. These results suggest that obese Mexican children and adolescents had increased levels of CRP and a reduction of adiponectin, which causes higher expression of EDF markers, affecting endothelial function and associating with changes in the gut microbiota.
Quality of Dietary Fat Intake and Body Weight and Obesity in a Mediterranean Population: Secondary Analyses within the PREDIMED Trial
Authors: Beulen Yvette , Martínez-González Miguel A. , Van de Rest Ondine , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Sorlí José V. , Gómez-Gracia Enrique , Fiol Miquel , Estruch Ramón , Santos-Lozano José M. , Schröder Helmut , Alonso-Gómez Angel , Serra-Majem Luis , Pintó Xavier , Ros Emilio , Becerra-Tomas Nerea , González José I. , Fitó Montserrat , Martínez J. Alfredo. , Gea Alfredo
Published: December 2018

A moderately high-fat Mediterranean diet does not promote weight gain. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary intake of specific types of fat and obesity and body weight. A prospective cohort study was performed using data of 6942 participants in the PREDIMED trial, with yearly repeated validated food-frequency questionnaires, and anthropometric outcomes (median follow-up: 4.8 years). The effects of replacing dietary fat subtypes for one another, proteins or carbohydrates were estimated using generalized estimating equations substitution models. Replacement of 5% energy from saturated fatty acids (SFA) with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) resulted in weight changes of −0.38 kg (95% Confidece Iinterval (CI): −0.69, −0.07), and −0.51 kg (95% CI: −0.81, −0.20), respectively. Replacing proteins with MUFA or PUFA decreased the odds of becoming obese. Estimates for the daily substitution of one portion of red meat with white meat, oily fish or white fish showed weight changes up to −0.87 kg. Increasing the intake of unsaturated fatty acids at the expense of SFA, proteins, and carbohydrates showed beneficial effects on body weight and obesity. It may therefore be desirable to encourage high-quality fat diets like the Mediterranean diet instead of restricting total fat intake.
Trajectories of Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Risk of Hypertension in China: Results from the CHNS Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Gao Min , Wang Fengbin , Shen Ying , Zhu Xiaorou , Zhang Xing , Sun Xinying
Published: December 2018

Evidence indicates that longitudinal changes in dietary patterns may predict variations in blood pressure (BP) and risk of incident hypertension. We aimed to identify distinct trajectories in the levels of Mediterranean diet adherence (MDA) in China and explore their association with BP levels and hypertension risk using the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1997–2011 data. Three levels of MDA were constructed. The trajectories in these levels were constructed using group-based trajectory modeling. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to measure the association between MDA trajectory groups and the risk of incident hypertension after adjusting for covariates. Finally, 6586 individuals were included. Six distinct MDA trajectory groups were identified: persistently low and gradual decline; rapidly increasing and stabilized; persistently moderate; slightly increasing, steady, and acutely descending; slightly decreasing and acutely elevated; and persistently high. The systolic BP and diastolic BP were significantly lower in trajectory groups with rapidly increasing and stabilized MDA; slightly increasing, steady, and acutely descending MDA; and persistently high MDA. Cox regression analysis showed that the risks of developing hypertension were relatively lower in the group with slightly increasing, steady, and acutely descending MDA (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09–0.32) and the group with rapidly increasing and stabilized MDA (HR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.23–0.42), but the risk was the highest in the trajectory with persistently moderate MDA (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.84–1.08). In conclusion, MDA in China was categorized into six distinct trajectory groups. BP was relatively lower in trajectory groups with initially high or increasing MDA levels. Greater MDA was significantly associated with a lower risk of developing hypertension.