bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycelium Polysaccharides from Termitomyces albuminosus Attenuate CCl4-Induced Chronic Liver Injury Via Inhibiting TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB Signal Pathways
Authors: Zhao Huajie , Li Huaping , Feng Yanbo , Zhang Yiwen , Yuan Fangfang , Zhang Jianjun , Ren Haixia , Jia Le
Published: September 2019

A major fraction (MPT-W), eluted by deionized water, was extracted from mycelium polysaccharides of Termitomyces albuminosus (MPT), and its antioxidant, anti-fibrosis, and anti-inflammatory activities in CCl4-induced chronic liver injury mice, as well as preliminary characterizations, were evaluated. The results showed that MPT-W was a polysaccharide of α- and β-configurations containing xylose (Xyl), fucose (Fuc), mannose (Man), galactose (Gal), and glucose (Glc) with a molar ratio of 0.29:8.67:37.89:35.98:16.60 by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Its molecular weight (Mw), obtained by high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), was 1.30 × 105 Da. The antioxidant assays in vitro showed that MPT-W displayed scavenging free-radical abilities. Based on the data of in vivo experiments, MPT-W could inhibit TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB pathways; decrease the level and activity of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), malonaldehyde (MDA) and serum enzyme; activate the HO-1/Nrf2 pathway; and increase antioxidant enzymes to protect the liver in CCl4-induced chronic liver injury mice. Therefore, MPT-W could be a potentially natural and functional resource contributing to antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects with potential health benefits.
Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Bone Health
Authors: Murray Cliodhna E. , Coleman Cynthia M.
Published: September 2019

Long-term exposure to a diabetic environment leads to changes in bone metabolism and impaired bone micro-architecture through a variety of mechanisms on molecular and structural levels. These changes predispose the bone to an increased fracture risk and impaired osseus healing. In a clinical practice, adequate control of diabetes mellitus is essential for preventing detrimental effects on bone health. Alternative fracture risk assessment tools may be needed to accurately determine fracture risk in patients living with diabetes mellitus. Currently, there is no conclusive model explaining the mechanism of action of diabetes mellitus on bone health, particularly in view of progenitor cells. In this review, the best available literature on the impact of diabetes mellitus on bone health in vitro and in vivo is summarised with an emphasis on future translational research opportunities in this field.
Understanding Humans: The Extensions of Digital Media
Authors: Logan Robert K.
Published: September 2019

With digital media, not only are media extensions of their human users, as McLuhan posited, but there is a flip or reversal in which the human users of digital media become an extension of those digital media as these media scoop up their data and use them to the advantage of those that control these media. The implications of this loss of privacy as we become “an item in a data bank” are explored and the field of captology is described. The feedback of the users of digital media become the feedforward for those media.
A Short Note on the History of the Concept of Information
Authors: Capurro Rafael
Published: September 2019

This paper deals with the Arabic translation taṣawwur in Averroes’ Great Commentary of the term τῶν ἀδιαιρέτων νόησις (“ton adiaireton noesis”, thinking of the indivisibles) in Aristotle’s De anima and the Latin translation from Arabic with (in-)formatio, as quoted by Albertus Magnus [...]
Cleonis pigra (Scopoli, 1763) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Lixinae): Morphological Re-Description of the Immature Stages, Keys, Tribal Comparisons and Biology
Authors: Skuhrovec Jiří , Volovnik Semyon , Gosik Rafał , Stejskal Robert , Trnka Filip
Published: September 2019

Mature larvae and pupae of Cleonis pigra (Scopoli, 1763) (Curculionidae: Lixinae: Cleonini) are morphologically described in detail for the first time and compared with known larvae and pupae of other Cleonini species. The results of measurements and characteristics most typical for larvae and pupae of Cleonini are newly extracted and critically discussed, along with some records given previously. Keys for the determination of selected Cleonini species based on their larval and pupal characteristics are attached. Dyar’s law was used for the estimation of a number of larval instars of C. pigra. Descriptions of habitats, adult behavior, host plants, life cycle, and biotic interactions are reported here. Adults and larvae feed on plants from the Asteraceae family only (genera Carduus, Cirsium, Centaurea, and Onopordum). Oviposition occurs on the base of the plant stem or the root neck. In the process of larval development, a fusiform gall forms. C. pigra and Cyphocleonus achates can coexist in the same locality. In open habitats, the weevils become the prey of carnivorous animals.
High-Brightness Beam Technology Development for a Future Dynamic Mesoscale Materials Science Capability
Authors: Carlsten Bruce E. , Anisimov Petr M. , Barnes Cris W. , Marksteiner Quinn R. , Robles River R. , Yampolsky Nikolai
Published: September 2019

A future capability in dynamic mesoscale materials science is needed to study the limitations of materials under irreversible and extreme conditions, where these limitations are caused by nonuniformities and defects in the mesoscale. This capability gap could potentially be closed with an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL), producing 5 × 1010 photons with an energy of 42 keV, known as the Matter–Radiation Interactions in Extremes (MaRIE) XFEL. Over the last few years, researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a preconceptual design for a MaRIE-class XFEL based on existing high-brightness beam technologies, including superconducting L-band cryomodules. However, the performance of a MaRIE-class XFEL can be improved and the risk of its operation reduced by investing in emerging high-brightness beam technologies, such as the development of high-gradient normal conducting radio frequency (RF) structures. Additionally, an alternative XFEL architecture, which generates a series of high-current microbunches instead of a single bunch with uniformly high current along it, may suppress the most important emittance degradation effects in the accelerator and in the XFEL undulator. In this paper, we describe the needed dynamic mesoscale materials science capability, a MaRIE-class XFEL, and the proposed microbunched XFEL accelerator architecture in detail.
Effect of Samryungbaekchul-san Combined with Otilonium Bromide on Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Jin-Hyun , Kim Joong Il , Baeg Myong Ki , Sunwoo Yun-Young , Do Kwangsun , Lee Jung-Han , Kim Hye-Jung , Choi Ja Sung , Kim Jayoung , Seo Chang-Seob , Shin Hyeun-Kyoo , Ha Hyekyung , Park Tae-Yong
Published: September 2019

Conventional and herbal drugs are frequently used together to treat many disorders. Samryungbaekchul-san (SRS, a herbal formula) and otilonium bromide (OB, an antispasmodic agent) are widely used to treat diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) in Eastern Asian countries. However, there have been no studies on the co-administration of SRS and OB. Therefore, we aimed to preliminarily assess the feasibility of SRS combined with OB for D-IBS treatment in a pilot double-blind, four-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (RCT), including 80 patients diagnosed with D-IBS according to the Rome III criteria. The patients were randomly assigned to four treatment groups and were administered drugs for eight weeks after a two-week preparatory period. Follow-up was conducted four weeks after the administration period. The primary outcome was evaluated by using a global D-IBS symptom improvement score; no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. However, multiple logistic regression analysis of primary outcome scores shows that SRS significantly improved D-IBS symptoms (p < 0.05). For secondary outcomes, better results were observed in the SRS + OB group, in terms of symptoms, including abdominal pain, discomfort, frequency of abdominal pain, and stool form than in OB alone or placebo groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the co-administration of SRS and OB might be an effective and safe strategy for the treatment of D-IBS. Large-scale RCTs are warranted to further confirm and clarify these findings.
Iduronate-2-Sulfatase-Regulated Dermatan Sulfate Levels Potentiate the Invasion of Breast Cancer Epithelia through Collagen Matrix
Authors: Singh Vishal , Jha Keshav Kumar , M Jyothsna K. , Kumar Rekha V. , Raghunathan Varun , Bhat Ramray
Published: September 2019

Cancer epithelia show elevation in levels of sulfated proteoglycans including dermatan sulfates (DS). The effect of increased DS on cancer cell behavior is still unclear. We hypothesized that decreased expression of the enzyme Iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) can lead to increased DS levels, which would enhance the invasion of cancer cells. Breast cancer sections shows depleted IDS levels in tumor epithelia, when compared with adjacent untransformed breast tissues. IDS signals showed a progressive decrease in the non-transformed HMLE, transformed but non-invasive MCF-7 and transformed and invasive MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively, when cultured on Type 1 collagen scaffolds. DS levels measured by ELISA increased in an inverse-association with IDS levels. Knockdown of IDS in MCF-7 epithelia also increased the levels of DS. MCF-7 cells with depleted IDS expression, when imaged using two photon-excited fluorescence and second harmonic generation microscopy, exhibited a mesenchymal morphology with multiple cytoplasmic projections compared with epithelioid control cells, interacted with their surrounding matrix, and showed increased invasion through Type 1 collagen matrices. Both these traits were phenocopied when control MCF-7 cells were cultivated on Type 1 collagen gels polymerized in the presence of DS. In monolayer cultures, DS had no effect on MCF-7 migration. In the context of our demonstration that DS enhances the elastic modulus of Type 1 collagen gels, we propose that a decrease of IDS expression leads to accumulation within cancer epithelia of DS: the latter remodels the collagen around cancer cells leading to changes in cell shape and invasiveness through fibrillar matrix milieu.
Influence of the Wire Feeding on the Wetting Process during Laser Brazing of Aluminum Alloys with Aluminum-Based Braze Material
Authors: Leithäuser Till , Woizeschke Peer
Published: September 2019

The wetting behavior in laser brazing can be designated as inconstant, caused largely by external process discontinuities such as the wire feeding. To reveal periodic melt pool propagation effects that occur during laser brazing of aluminum and for a better understanding of those effects in laser brazing in general, this paper analyzes high-speed recordings of the brazing process with aluminum alloy. It is demonstrated that two main effects of periodic melt pool behavior in different frequency scales occur during the process, related directly to the wire feeding.
Investigation of the Modulation of the Tidal Stream Resource by Ocean Currents through a Complex Tidal Channel
Authors: Goward Brown Alice J. , Lewis Matt , Barton Benjamin I. , Jeans Gus , Spall Steven A.
Published: September 2019

Tidal energy has the opportunity to bring reliable electricity to remote regions in the world. A resource assessment, including the response of the tidal stream resource to fluctuations in the Indonesian Through Flow (ITF) is performed using the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) to simulate four different scenarios for flow through the Lombok Strait in Indonesia. Tidal currents simulated with a variable ITF are compared against a tide-only (TO) simulation to identify how the ITF spatially changes the resource across the Lombok Strait. We find that the uncertainty in the tidal currents from the TO simulation is 50% greater than the variable ITF simulation. To identify change to resource, surface velocities from Strong ITF and Weak ITF scenarios are considered. As a result of the fluctuations in the ITF, certain characteristics, such as the asymmetry and magnitude, of the tidal current vary greatly. However, the magnitude of change is variable, with regions to the west of the strait experiencing greater modulation than in the east, suggesting that resource uncertainty can be minimised with selective site positioning.
Prediction of Seabed Scour Induced by Full-Scale Darrieus-Type Tidal Current Turbine
Authors: Sun Chong , Lam Wei Haur , Dai Ming , Hamill Gerard
Published: September 2019

Scour induced by a Darrieus-type tidal current turbine was investigated by using a joint numerical and experimental method with emphasis on the scour process of a full-scale turbine. This work proposes a new numerical method to estimate turbine scour developments, followed by model validation through experimental data in the initial stage. The small-scale numerical model was further extended to a full-scale model for the prediction of turbine scour. The numerical model consists of (1) k- ω turbulence closure, (2) a sediment transport model, and (3) a sediment slide model. The transient-state model was coupled with a morphologic model to calculate scour development. A dynamic mesh updating technique was implemented, enabling the autoupdate of data for the grid nodes of the seabed at each time step. Comparisons between the numerical results and the experimental measurements showed that the proposed model was able to capture the main features of the scour process. However, the numerical model underestimated about 15–20% of the equilibrium scour depth than experimental data. An investigation of the temporal and spatial development of seabed scour around a full-scale Darrieus-type tidal current turbine is demonstrated. This work concludes that the proposed numerical model can effectively predict the scour process of tidal current turbines, and the rotating rotor has a significant impact on the equilibrium scour depth for full-scale turbines.
Temporal (1948–2012) and Dynamic Evolution of the Wouri Estuary Coastline within the Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Fossi Fotsi Yannick , Pouvreau Nicolas , Brenon Isabelle , Onguene Raphael , Etame Jacques
Published: September 2019

The Wouri estuary is located in the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic coast of Cameroon’s coastline plain (3°49′ and 4°04′ north latitude and 9°20′ to 9°40′ east longitude), and is strongly influenced by coastal dynamics that have remained unquantified over a long period of time. This study analyzed the historical evolution of the Wouri estuarine coastline between 1948 and 2012. Variations in the estuarine evolution of the Wouri were studied from (i) minute topographic extracts from 1948, (ii) 1996–1999 nautical charts, and (iii) 2012 spatial map vectors. The net temporal spatial variation rates were calculated using the statistical methods of the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). These change rates were also calculated over two time intervals (1948–1996 and 1996–2012) and over a 64-year period (1948–2012). The study reveals highly disparate results. Indeed, kinematics show that the Wouri estuary was dominated by erosion in its downstream section, with 262.83 ha for −3.2 m/year and 110.56 ha for −5.8 m/year between 1948–1996 and 1996–2012 respectively, and by accretion on the other hand in its upstream section, with 239.17 ha for 4.3 m/year in zone 5 between 1948–1996 and 150.82 ha for 12.6 m/year in zone 4 between 1996–2012. Thus, over the 64-year period (1948–2012), we have a dominance of variation by erosion downstream and conversely by accretion upstream, marked by the presence of amplifying factors (anthropogenic pressure and climate change) of the rate of variation of morphological evolution at the beginning of the 21st century, as compared to the middle-20th century. The observed development of sediment loss and accumulation, both influences and will influence, the sediment regime along the Wouri estuarine coastline. There is a need to develop a systematic sub-regional coastal surveillance activity to effectively manage Cameroon’s coastline system.
Analyzing the Interaction between Two Different Types of Nanoparticles and Serum Albumin
Authors: Cristian Roxana E. , Mohammad Israa J. , Mernea Maria , Sbarcea Beatrice G. , Trica Bogdan , Stan Miruna S. , Dinischiotu Anca
Published: September 2019

Two different types of nanoparticles (silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide) were selected within this study in order to analyze the interaction with bovine and human serum albumin. These particles were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). In addition, the hydrodynamic size and the zeta potential were measured for all these nanoparticles. The serum proteins were incubated with the nanoparticles for up to one hour, and the albumin adsorption on the particle surface was investigated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The effect induced on the secondary structure of proteins was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that albumin adsorbed on the surface of both types of nanoparticles, but in different quantities. In addition, we noticed different changes in the structure of albumin depending on the physicochemical properties of each type of particle tested. In conclusion, our study provides a comparative analysis between the different characteristics of nanoparticles and the protein corona formed on the particle surface and effects induced on protein structure in order to direct the development of “safe-by-design” nanoparticles, as their demands for research and applications continue to increase.
Antibacterial Properties of a Novel Zirconium Phosphate-Glycinediphosphonate Loaded with Either Zinc or Silver
Authors: Campoccia Davide , Ravaioli Stefano , Vivani Riccardo , Donnadio Anna , Vischini Eleonora , Russo Alessandro , Visai Livia , Arciola Carla Renata , Montanaro Lucio , Nocchetti Morena
Published: September 2019

A novel compound consisting of a zirconium phosphate-glycinediphosphonate (ZPGly) has recently been introduced. This 2D-structured material forming nanosheets was exfoliated under appropriate conditions, producing colloidal aqueous dispersions (ZPGly-e) which were then loaded with zinc (Zn/ZPGly) or silver ions. Silver ions were subsequently reduced to produce metallic silver nanoparticles on exfoliated ZPGly nanosheets (Ag@ZPGly). In the search for new anti-infective materials, the present study investigated the properties of colloidal dispersions of ZPGly-e, Zn/ZPGly, and Ag@ZPGly. Ag@ZPGly was found to be a bactericidal material and was assayed to define its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) on the five most prevalent pathogens of orthopaedic implant infections, namely: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC29212, Escherichia coli ATCC51739, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853. MIC and MBC were in the range of 125–250 μg/mL and 125–1000 μg/mL, respectively, with E. coli being the most sensitive species. Even colloidal suspensions of exfoliated ZPGly nanosheets and Zn/ZPGly exhibited some intrinsic antibacterial properties, but only at greater concentrations. Unexpectedly, Zn/ZPGly was less active than ZPGly-e.
Mechanical and Corrosion Resistance Enhancement of Closed-Cell Aluminum Foams through Nano-Electrodeposited Composite Coatings
Authors: Xu Yiku , Ma Shuang , Fan Mingyuan , Zheng Hongbang , Chen Yongnan , Song Xuding , Hao Jianmin
Published: September 2019

This work aims to improve the properties of aluminum foams including the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance by electrodepositing a SiC/TiN nanoparticles reinforced Ni–Mo coating on the substrate. The coatings were electrodeposited at different voltages, and the morphologies of the coating were detected by SEM (scanning electron microscope) to determine the most suitable voltage. We used XRD (x-ray diffraction) and TEM (transmission electron microscope) to analyze the structure of the coatings. The aluminum foams and the substrates on which the coatings were electrodeposited at a voltage of 6.0 V for different electrodeposition times were compressed on an MTS (an Electro-mechanical Universal Testing Machine) to detect the mechanical properties. The corrosion resistance before and after the electrodeposition experiment was also examined. The results showed that the coating effectively improved the mechanical properties. When the electrodeposition time was changed from 10 min to 40 min, the Wv of the aluminum foams increased from 0.852 J to 2.520 J and the σs increased from 1.06 MPa to 2.99 MPa. The corrosion resistance of the aluminum foams was significantly improved after being coated with the Ni–Mo–SiC–TiN nanocomposite coating. The self-corrosion potential, pitting potential, and potential for primary passivation were positively shifted by 294 mV, 99 mV, and 301 mV, respectively. The effect of nanoparticles on the corrosion resistance of the coatings is significant.
Functional Polyimide-Based Electrospun Fibers for Biomedical Application
Authors: Serbezeanu Diana , Vlad-Bubulac Tăchiță , Rusu Daniela , Grădișteanu Pircalabioru Grațiela , Samoilă Iuliana , Dinescu Sorina , Aflori Magdalena
Published: September 2019

The current study focuses on the application of cytotoxicity tests upon one membrane matrix based on electrospun polyimide fibers, appealing for biomedical application, such as scaffolds for cell growth, patches or meshes for wound healing, etc. Assays were performed in order to determine the viability and proliferation of L929 murine fibroblasts after they were kept in direct contact with the studied electrospun polyimide fibers. Increased cell viability and proliferation were detected for cells seeded on electrospun polyimide fibers membrane, in comparison with the control system, either after two or six days of evaluation. The number of live cells was higher on the studied material compared to the control, after two and six days of cell seeding. The tendency of the cells to proliferate on the electrospun polyimide fibers was revealed by confocal microscopy. The morphological stability of electrospun polyimide membrane was evaluated by SEM observation, after immersion of the samples in phosphate buffer saline solution (PBS, 7.4 at 37 °C) at various time intervals. Additionally, the easy production of electrospun polyimide fibers can facilitate the development of these types of matrices into specific biomedical applications in the future.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Microscopic Structure of Coal Gangue after Aqueous Solution Treatment
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yang Xiaoyun , Tighe Susan
Published: September 2019

Coal gangue, a solid waste produced in coal production, had caused serious environmental pollution due to accumulation on dumps. Embankment filling can solve the problem while significantly consuming the amount of coal waste for mining. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanical properties and microscopic structure of coal gangue when it is subjected to erosion from water environment with different acidity. Using immersion testing to evaluate its stability in different hydro-chemical environments. Mechanical property parameters of coal gangue treated by solutions were investigated. The action microstructure of coal gangue was revealed through a series of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The results show that acidic solution behaved better improvement effect on compressive modulus and fraction of coal gangue samples owing to the generation of quartz and the reduction of aluminum, dissolving of some substances, and transforming of small scattered angular grains through soaking treatment. Alkalinity treatment can be chosen to improve cohesion of coal gangue as a result of polymeric silicon aluminum salt, with high viscosity, was produced by chemical reaction during immersion. Therefore, aqueous solution treatment contributes to engineering properties and presents great potential in both supplement road building materials and recycling of coal gangue.
Cost-Effectiveness Study of One-Stage Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis with Bioactive Glass S53P4
Authors: Geurts Jan , van Vugt Tom , Thijssen Eline , Arts Jacobus J.
Published: September 2019

This study was set up to evaluate the costs of a one-stage treatment of chronic osteomyelitis using bioactive glass S53P4 versus a two-stage treatment using gentamicin-loaded PMMA beads. Furthermore, a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from a hospital’s perspective together with the evaluation of clinical outcome. A treatment group (n = 25) receiving one-stage surgery with bioactive glass was retrospectively compared with a two-stage control group (n = 25). An assessment was made of all costs included from first outpatient visit until one year after treatment. Bootstrap simulation and sensitivity analyses were performed. The primary endpoint was cost-effectiveness with clinical outcome as the secondary endpoint. The base case analyses shows dominance of the one-stage treatment with bioactive glass S53P4 due to lower costs and a better clinical outcome. Sensitivity analyses confirm these findings. This study is the first in its kind to show one-stage treatment of chronic osteomyelitis with bioactive glass S53P4 to be cost-effective.
Moisture Susceptibility Evaluation of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Steel Slag Powder as Filler
Authors: Xiao Zhifeng , Chen Meizhu , Wu Shaopeng , Xie Jun , Kong Dezhi , Qiao Zhi , Niu Changchang
Published: September 2019

The primary objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of replacing steel slag powder (SSP) with limestone filler (LF) with different contents as an inorganic anti-stripping agent on the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures. Two traditional inorganic anti-stripping agents were selected for comparison, namely cement (CE) and slaked lime (SL). Apparent morphology, chemical compositions, and the particle size distribution of the four fillers were firstly studied. LF was replaced by SSP, CE, and SL with different contents, and then mixed with asphalt to prepare asphalt mortars. An 80 °C water immersion test was conducted to investigate the adhesion of asphalt mortar and aggregates, and an image analysis technique was utilized to evaluate the stripping of asphalt from the aggregates. A Marshall stability test and freeze-thaw split test were then conducted to analyze the effect of different fillers on the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures. The results show that SSP contains a large amount of CaO, which indicates that SSP has a certain alkalinity. Compared with LF, SSP has a rougher surface texture and a finer particle size. Image analysis results show that the partially replacement of LF by SSP increases the asphalt coverage rate of aggregates, which means that SSP can improve the adhesion between asphalt mortar and aggregates. However, the excessive addition of SSP will result in a decrease in adhesion. The results of both the Marshall stability test and freeze-thaw split test demonstrate that CE, SL, and SSP can improve the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures compared with the LF group, and that asphalt mixtures containing SSP have better moisture damage resistance than those with CE, but less such resistance than those with SL. With the increase of the amount of SSP replacing LF, the moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mixture decreases gradually. The optimum substitution amount of SSP was 25% of the total volume of fillers in this test.
Adaptive Control of Resistance Spot Welding Based on a Dynamic Resistance Model
Authors: Kas Ziyad , Das Manohar
Published: September 2019

Resistance spot welding is a process commonly used for joining a stack of two or three metal sheets at desired spots. Such welds are accomplished by holding the metallic workpieces together by applying pressure through the tips of a pair of electrodes and then passing a strong electric current for a short duration. This kind of welding process often suffers from two common drawbacks, namely, inconsistent weld quality and inadequate nugget size. In order to address these problems, a new theoretical approach of controlling resistance spot welding processes is proposed in this paper. The proposed controller is based on a simplified dynamical model of the resistance spot welding process and employs the principle of adaptive one-step-ahead control. It is essentially an adaptive tracking controller that estimates the unknown process parameters and adjusts the welding voltage continuously to make sure that the nugget resistance tracks a desired reference resistance profile. The modeling and controller design methodologies are discussed in detail. Also, the results of a simulation study to evaluate the performance of the proposed controller are presented. The proposed control scheme is expected to reduce energy consumption and produce consistent welds.
Marine Ligands of the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR): An Overview
Authors: Carazo Alejandro , Mladěnka Přemysl , Pávek Petr
Published: September 2019

Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor which binds many structurally different molecules. The receptor is able to regulate the expression of a wide array of genes and is involved in cancer and different key physiological processes such as the metabolism of drugs/xenobiotics and endogenous compounds including lipids and carbohydrates, and inflammation. Algae, sponges, sea squirts, and other marine organisms are some of the species from which structurally new molecules have been isolated that have been subsequently identified in recent decades as ligands for PXR. The therapeutic potential of these natural compounds is promising in different areas and has recently resulted in the registration of trabectedin by the FDA as a novel antineoplastic drug. Apart from being potentially novel drugs, these compounds can also serve as models for the development of new molecules with improved activity. The aim of this review is to succinctly summarize the currently known natural molecules isolated from marine organisms with a proven ability to interact with PXR.
Biomaterials Based on Marine Resources for 3D Bioprinting Applications
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhou Dezhi , Chen Jianwei , Zhang Xiuxiu , Li Xinda , Zhao Wenxiang , Xu Tao
Published: September 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has become a flexible tool in regenerative medicine with potential for various applications. Further development of the new 3D bioprinting field lies in suitable bioink materials with satisfied printability, mechanical integrity, and biocompatibility. Natural polymers from marine resources have been attracting increasing attention in recent years, as they are biologically active and abundant when comparing to polymers from other resources. This review focuses on research and applications of marine biomaterials for 3D bioprinting. Special attention is paid to the mechanisms, material requirements, and applications of commonly used 3D bioprinting technologies based on marine-derived resources. Commonly used marine materials for 3D bioprinting including alginate, carrageenan, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and gelatin are also discussed, especially in regards to their advantages and applications.
Characterization of the Noncanonical Regulatory and Transporter Genes in Atratumycin Biosynthesis and Production in a Heterologous Host
Authors: Yang Zhijie , Wei Xin , He Jianqiao , Sun Changli , Ju Jianhua , Ma Junying
Published: September 2019

Atratumycin is a cyclodepsipeptide with activity against Mycobacteria tuberculosis isolated from deep-sea derived Streptomyces atratus SCSIO ZH16NS-80S. Analysis of the atratumycin biosynthetic gene cluster (atr) revealed that its biosynthesis is regulated by multiple factors, including two LuxR regulatory genes (atr1 and atr2), two ABC transporter genes (atr29 and atr30) and one Streptomyces antibiotic regulatory gene (atr32). In this work, three regulatory and two transporter genes were unambiguously determined to provide positive, negative and self-protective roles during biosynthesis of atratumycin through bioinformatic analyses, gene inactivations and trans-complementation studies. Notably, an unusual Streptomyces antibiotic regulatory protein Atr32 was characterized as a negative regulator; the function of Atr32 is distinct from previous studies. Five over-expression mutant strains were constructed by rational application of the regulatory and transporter genes; the resulting strains produced significantly improved titers of atratumycin that were ca. 1.7–2.3 fold greater than wild-type (WT) producer. Furthermore, the atratumycin gene cluster was successfully expressed in Streptomyces coelicolor M1154, thus paving the way for the transfer and recombination of large DNA fragments. Overall, this finding sets the stage for understanding the unique biosynthesis of pharmaceutically important atratumycin and lays the foundation for generating anti-tuberculosis lead compounds possessing novel structures.
Chemistry and Biology of Siderophores from Marine Microbes
Authors: Chen Jianwei , Guo Yuqi , Lu Yaojia , Wang Bixia , Sun Jiadong , Zhang Huawei , Wang Hong
Published: September 2019

Microbial siderophores are multidentate Fe(III) chelators used by microbes during siderophore-mediated assimilation. They possess high affinity and selectivity for Fe(III). Among them, marine siderophore-mediated microbial iron uptake allows marine microbes to proliferate and survive in the iron-deficient marine environments. Due to their unique iron(III)-chelating properties, delivery system, structural diversity, and therapeutic potential, marine microbial siderophores have great potential for further development of various drug conjugates for antibiotic-resistant bacteria therapy or as a target for inhibiting siderophore virulence factors to develop novel broad-spectrum antibiotics. This review covers siderophores derived from marine microbes.
Physical Modelling and Numerical Simulation of the Deep Drawing Process of a Box-Shaped Product Focused on Material Limits Determination
Authors: Tomáš Miroslav , Evin Emil , Kepič Ján , Hudák Juraj
Published: September 2019

Similitude theory helps engineers and scientists to accurately predict the behaviors of real systems through the application of scaling laws to the experimental results of a scale model related to the real system by similarity conditions. The theory was applied when studying the deep drawing process of a bathtub made from cold rolled low carbon aluminum-killed steel from the point of view of material limits. The bathtub model was created on the basis of geometric, physical, and mechanical similarity on a scale of 1:5. Thus, simulations and physical models were created. The simulation model was used to verify the combination yield locus/hardening law on the basis of comparing the thickness change. As a result, Hill 48/Krupkowski showed the minimal deviation by comparing data evaluated from numerical simulations and that measured on the physical model. Additionally, material anisotropy was modelled when virtual materials were defined from experimentally measured values of the plastic strain ratio. As an outcome, extra deep drawing quality steel with an average plastic strain ratio of rm ≥ 1.47 and an average strain hardening exponent of nm ≥ 0.23 must be used for the deep drawing of the bathtub.
Effect of Surface and Subsurface Defects on Fatigue Behavior of AlSi10Mg Alloy Processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF)
Authors: Hamidi Nasab Milad , Giussani Alessandro , Gastaldi Dario , Tirelli Valeria , Vedani Maurizio
Published: September 2019

The fatigue behaviour of an AlSi10Mg alloy processed by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) and subjected to different surface finishing processes was investigated paying special attention to the residual defects on the surface and the dominant fatigue failure mechanisms. Roughness measurements and qualitative surface morphology analysis showed smooth surfaces in the case of vibro-finishing and machining followed by polishing. The fatigue performance did not reveal to be directly related to surface roughness, but residual intrusions left on the finished surfaces. Post-mortem analysis showed single- or multiple-crack nucleation from pores opened on the surface, un-melted powders, or spatters considered as typical L-PBF defects. A fatigue limit of 195 MPa for machined and polished samples was obtained by substantial removal of surface and subsurface defects.
Effects of Cr and Mo on Mechanical Properties of Hot-Forged Medium Carbon TRIP-Aided Bainitic Ferrite Steels
Authors: Sugimoto Koh-ichi , Sato Sho-hei , Kobayashi Junya , Srivastava Ashok Kumar
Published: September 2019

In this study, the effects of Cr and Mo additions on mechanical properties of hot-forged medium carbon TRIP-aided bainitic ferrite (TBF) steel were investigated. If 0.5%Cr was added to the base steel with a chemical composition of 0.4%C, 1.5%Si, 1.5%Mn, 0.5%Al, and 0.05%Nb in mass%, the developed steel achieved the best combination of strength and total elongation. The best combination of strength and impact toughness was attained by multiple additions of 0.5%Cr and 0.2%Mo to the base steel. The excellent combination of strength and impact toughness substantially exceeded those of quenched and tempered JIS-SCM420 and 440 steels, although it was as high as those of 0.2%C TBF steels with 1.0%Cr and 0.2%Mo. The good impact toughness was mainly caused by uniform fine bainitic ferrite matrix structure and a large amount of metastable retained austenite.
Effect of Stress Triaxiality on Plastic Damage Evolution and Failure Mode for 316L Notched Specimen
Authors: Peng Jian , Wang Ying , Dai Qiao , Liu Xuedong , Liu Lin , Zhang Zhihong
Published: September 2019

To reveal the effect of stress triaxiality on plastic damage evolution and failure mode, 316L notched specimens with different notch sizes are systematically investigated by digital image correlation (DIC) observation, plastic damage analysis by finite element simulation, and void mesoscopic observation. It was found that the plastic damage evolution and failure mode are closely related with notch radius and stress triaxiality. The greater the stress triaxiality at the root is, the greater the damage value at the root is and the earlier the fracture occurs. Moreover, void distribution by mesoscopic observation agrees well with damage distribution observed by finite element simulation with the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) damage model. It is worth noting that, with the increase in stress triaxiality, the failure mode of notched specimen changes from ductility fracture with void coalescence at the center position to crack initiation at the notch root, from both mesoscopic observation and damage simulation.
Limitations of Deuterium-Labelled Substrates for Quantifying NADPH Metabolism in Heterotrophic Arabidopsis Cell Cultures
Authors: Smith Edward N. , McCullagh James S. O. , Ratcliffe R. George , Kruger Nicholas J.
Published: September 2019

NADPH is the primary source of cellular reductant for biosynthesis, and strategies for increasing productivity via metabolic engineering need to take account of the requirement for reducing power. In plants, while the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway is the most direct route for NADPH production in heterotrophic tissues, there is increasing evidence that other pathways make significant contributions to redox balance. Deuterium-based isotopic labelling strategies have recently been developed to quantify the relative production of NADPH from different pathways in mammalian cells, but the application of these methods to plants has not been critically evaluated. In this study, LC-MS was used to measure deuterium incorporation into metabolites extracted from heterotrophic Arabidopsis cell cultures grown on [1-2H]glucose or D2O. The results show that a high rate of flavin-enzyme-catalysed water exchange obscures labelling of NADPH from deuterated substrates and that this exchange cannot be accurately accounted for due to exchange between triose- and hexose-phosphates. In addition, the duplication of NADPH generating reactions between subcellular compartments can confound analysis based on whole cell extracts. Understanding how the structure of the metabolic network affects the applicability of deuterium labelling methods is a prerequisite for development of more effective flux determination strategies, ensuring data are both quantitative and representative of endogenous biological processes.
Feasibility of Localized Metabolomics in the Study of Pancreatic Islets and Diabetes
Authors: Alcazar Oscar , Hernandez Luis F. , Tschiggfrie Ashley , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Bain James R. , Buchwald Peter , Abdulreda Midhat H.
Published: September 2019

(1) Background: Disruption of insulin production by native or transplanted pancreatic islets caused by auto/allo-immunity leads to hyperglycemia, a serious health condition and important therapeutic challenge due to the lifelong need for exogeneous insulin administration. Early metabolic biomarkers can prompt timely interventions to preserve islet function, but reliable biomarkers are currently lacking. We explored the feasibility of “localized metabolomics” where initial biomarker discovery is made in aqueous humor samples for further validation in the circulation. (2) Methods: We conducted non-targeted metabolomic studies in parallel aqueous humor and plasma samples from diabetic and nondiabetic mice. Metabolite levels and associated pathways were compared in both compartments as well as to an earlier longitudinal dataset in hyperglycemia-progressor versus non-progressor non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. (3) Results: We confirmed that aqueous humor samples can be used to assess metabolite levels. About half of the identified metabolites had well-correlated levels in the aqueous humor and plasma. Several plasma metabolites were significantly different between diabetic and nondiabetic animals and between males and females, and many of them were correlated with the aqueous humor. (4) Conclusions: This study provides proof-of-concept evidence that aqueous humor samples enriched with islet-related metabolites and representative of the immediate islet microenvironment following intraocular islet transplant can be used to assess metabolic changes that could otherwise be overlooked in the general circulation. The findings support localized metabolomics, with and without intraocular islet transplant, to identify biomarkers associated with diabetes and islet allograft rejection.
Lipidomic Analysis of Plastidial Octanoyltransferase Mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Martins-Noguerol Raquel , Moreno-Pérez Antonio Javier , Acket Sebastien , Makni Salim , Garcés Rafael , Troncoso-Ponce Adrián , Salas Joaquín J. , Thomasset Brigitte , Martínez-Force Enrique
Published: September 2019

Plant de novo fatty acid synthesis takes place in the plastid using acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) as the main precursor. This first intermediate is produced from pyruvate through the action of the plastidial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH), which catalyses the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to produce acetyl-CoA, CO2, and NADH. For the proper functioning of this complex, lipoic acid is required to be bound to the dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase E2 subunit of PDH. Octanoyltransferase (LIP2; EC 2.3.1.181) and lipoyl synthase (LIP1; EC 2.8.1.8) are the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of this essential cofactor. In Arabidopsis plastids, an essential lipoyl synthase (AtLIP1p) and two redundant octanoyltransferases (AtLIP2p1 and AtLIP2p2) have been described. In the present study, the lipidomic characterization of Arabidopsis octanoyltransferase mutants reveals new insight into the lipoylation functions within plastid metabolism. Lipids and fatty acids from mature seeds and seedlings from Atlip2p1 and Atlip2p2 mutants were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-HRMS2), the analysis revealed changes in fatty acid profiles that showed similar patterns in both mutant seeds and seedlings and in the lipid species containing those fatty acids. Although both mutants showed similar tendencies, the lack of the AtLIP2p2 isoform produced a more acute variation in its lipids profile. These changes in fatty acid composition and the increase in their content per seed point to the interference of octanoyltransferases in the fatty acid synthesis flux in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds.
Microfluidic Irreversible Electroporation—A Versatile Tool to Extract Intracellular Contents of Bacteria and Yeast
Authors: Rockenbach Alexander , Sudarsan Suresh , Berens Judith , Kosubek Michael , Lazar Jaroslav , Demling Philipp , Hanke René , Mennicken Philip , Ebert Birgitta E. , Blank Lars M. , Schnakenberg Uwe
Published: September 2019

Exploring the dynamic behavior of cellular metabolism requires a standard laboratory method that guarantees rapid sampling and extraction of the cellular content. We propose a versatile sampling technique applicable to cells with different cell wall and cell membrane properties. The technique is based on irreversible electroporation with simultaneous quenching and extraction by using a microfluidic device. By application of electric pulses in the millisecond range, permanent lethal pores are formed in the cell membrane of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, facilitating the release of the cellular contents; here demonstrated by the measurement of glucose-6-phosphate and the activity of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The successful application of this device was demonstrated by pulsed electric field treatment in a flow-through configuration of the microfluidic chip in combination with sampling, inactivation, and extraction of the intracellular content in a few seconds. Minimum electric field strengths of 10 kV/cm for E. coli and 7.5 kV/cm for yeast S. cerevisiae were required for successful cell lysis. The results are discussed in the context of applications in industrial biotechnology, where metabolomics analyses are important.
3D-Printed Soft Structure of Polyurethane and Magnetorheological Fluid: A Proof-of-Concept Investigation of its Stiffness Tunability
Authors: Hong Seong-Woo , Yoon Ji-Young , Kim Seong-Hwan , Lee Sun-Kon , Kim Yong-Rae , Park Yu-Jin , Kim Gi-Woo , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: September 2019

In this study, a soft structure with its stiffness tunable by an external field is proposed. The proposed soft beam structure consists of a skin structure with channels filled with a magnetorheological fluid (MRF). Two specimens of the soft structure are fabricated by three-dimensional printing and fused deposition modeling. In the fabrication, a nozzle is used to obtain channels in the skin of the thermoplastic polyurethane, while another nozzle is used to fill MRF in the channels. The specimens are tested by using a universal tensile machine to evaluate the relationships between the load and deflection under two different conditions, without and with permanent magnets. It is empirically shown that the stiffness of the proposed soft structure can be altered by activating the magnetic field.