bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early- and Late-Luteal-Phase Estrogen and Progesterone Levels of Women with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Authors: Yen Ju-Yu , Lin Huang-Chi , Lin Pai-Cheng , Liu Tai-Ling , Long Cheng-Yu , Ko Chih-Hung
Published: November 2019

Objective/introduction: The dynamics of ovarian hormone fluctuations during the luteal phase of the menstruation cycle were previously suggested to contribute to the development of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) symptoms, but adequate empirical evidence has not been obtained from hormone concentration studies. We prospectively evaluated estrogen and progesterone levels in the early luteal (EL) and late luteal (LL) phases in women with PMDD and the association of these levels with PMDD symptom severity. Methods: 63 women with PMDD and 53 controls without such severe symptoms were evaluated for the estrogen and progesterone levels, and PMDD severity in the EL and LL phases. Results: The results demonstrated that the women with PMDD had a lower EL-phase estrogen level than the controls. Covariant analysis demonstrated that the interaction term between EL-phase estrogen and EL-phase progesterone level was associated with PMDD severity. Among women with lower EL estrogen levels, higher EL-phase progesterone was observed among the women with PMDD versus controls. These results suggest that low EL-phase estrogen level could moderate the provoking effect of EL progesterone in women with PMDD. Overall, these data suggest a possible role of estrogen and progesterone in the development of PMDD symptoms.
Reverse Engineering of Option Pricing: An AI Application
Authors: Herzog Bodo , Osamah Sufyan
Published: November 2019

This paper studies option pricing based on a reverse engineering (RE) approach. We utilize artificial intelligence in order to numerically compute the prices of options. The data consist of more than 5000 call- and put-options from the German stock market. First, we find that option pricing under reverse engineering obtains a smaller root mean square error to market prices. Second, we show that the reverse engineering model is reliant on training data. In general, the novel idea of reverse engineering is a rewarding direction for future research. It circumvents the limitations of finance theory, among others strong assumptions and numerical approximations under the Black–Scholes model.
Proteomic Analysis of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles Reveals a Role for the Complement System in Medullary Sponge Kidney Disease
Authors: Bruschi Maurizio , Granata Simona , Candiano Giovanni , Fabris Antonia , Petretto Andrea , Ghiggeri Gian Marco , Gambaro Giovanni , Zaza Gianluigi
Published: November 2019

Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) disease is a rare and neglected kidney condition often associated with nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis and cystic anomalies in the precalyceal ducts. Little is known about the pathogenesis of this disease, so we addressed the knowledge gap using a proteomics approach. The protein content of microvesicles/exosomes isolated from urine of 15 MSK and 15 idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis (ICN) patients was investigated by mass spectrometry, followed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis, support vector machine (SVM) learning, and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to select the most discriminative proteins. Proteomic data were verified by ELISA. We identified 2998 proteins in total, 1764 (58.9%) of which were present in both vesicle types in both diseases. Among the MSK samples, only 65 (2.2%) and 137 (4.6%) proteins were exclusively found in the microvesicles and exosomes, respectively. Similarly, among the ICN samples, only 75 (2.5%) and 94 (3.1%) proteins were exclusively found in the microvesicles and exosomes, respectively. SVM learning and PLS-DA revealed a core panel of 20 proteins that distinguished extracellular vesicles representing each clinical condition with an accuracy of 100%. Among them, three exosome proteins involved in the lectin complement pathway maximized the discrimination between MSK and ICN: Ficolin 1, Mannan-binding lectin serine protease 2, and Complement component 4-binding protein β. ELISA confirmed the proteomic results. Our data show that the complement pathway is involved in the MSK, revealing a new range of potential therapeutic targets and early diagnostic biomarkers.
Extracellular Vesicles in Modifying the Effects of Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Szatmári Tünde , Hargitai Rita , Sáfrány Géza , Lumniczky Katalin
Published: November 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-coated nanovesicles actively secreted by almost all cell types. EVs can travel long distances within the body, being finally taken up by the target cells, transferring information from one cell to another, thus influencing their behavior. The cargo of EVs comprises of nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins derived from the cell of origin, thereby it is cell-type specific; moreover, it differs between diseased and normal cells. Several studies have shown that EVs have a role in tumor formation and prognosis. It was also demonstrated that ionizing radiation can alter the cargo of EVs. EVs, in turn can modulate radiation responses and they play a role in radiation-induced bystander effects. Due to their biocompatibility and selective targeting, EVs are suitable nanocarrier candidates of drugs in various diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, the cargo of EVs can be engineered, and in this way they can be designed to carry certain genes or even drugs, similar to synthetic nanoparticles. In this review, we describe the biological characteristics of EVs, focusing on the recent efforts to use EVs as nanocarriers in oncology, the effects of EVs in radiation therapy, highlighting the possibilities to use EVs as nanocarriers to modulate radiation effects in clinical applications.
The C-Type Lysozyme from the upper Gastrointestinal Tract of Opisthocomus hoatzin, the Stinkbird
Authors: Taylor Edward J. , Skjøt Michael , Skov Lars K. , Klausen Mikkel , De Maria Leonardo , Gippert Garry P. , Turkenburg Johan P. , Davies Gideon J. , Wilson Keith S.
Published: November 2019

Muramidases/lysozymes are important bio-molecules, which cleave the glycan backbone in the peptidoglycan polymer found in bacterial cell walls. The glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 22 C-type lysozyme, from the folivorous bird Opisthocomus hoazin (stinkbird), was expressed in Aspergillus oryzae, and a set of variants was produced. All variants were enzymatically active, including those designed to probe key differences between the Hoatzin enzyme and Hen Egg White lysozyme. Four variants showed improved thermostability at pH 4.7, compared to the wild type. The X-ray structure of the enzyme was determined in the apo form and in complex with chitin oligomers. Bioinformatic analysis of avian GH22 amino acid sequences showed that they separate out into three distinct subgroups (chicken-like birds, sea birds and other birds). The Hoatzin is found in the “other birds” group and we propose that this represents a new cluster of avian upper-gut enzymes.
Ishige okamurae Extract and Its Constituent Ishophloroglucin A Attenuated In Vitro and In Vivo High Glucose-Induced Angiogenesis
Authors: Fernando K.H.N. , Yang Hye-Won , Jiang Yunfei , Jeon You-Jin , Ryu BoMi
Published: November 2019

Diabetes is associated with vascular complications, such as impaired wound healing and accelerated vascular growth. The different clinical manifestations, such as retinopathy and nephropathy, reveal the severity of enhanced vascular growth known as angiogenesis. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of an extract of Ishige okamurae (IO) and its constituent, Ishophloroglucin A (IPA) on high glucose-induced angiogenesis. A transgenic zebrafish (flk:EGFP) embryo model was used to evaluate vessel growth. The 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), gap closure, transwell, and Matrigel® assays were used to analyze the proliferation, migration, and capillary formation of EA.hy926 cells. Moreover, protein expression were determined using western blotting. IO extract and IPA suppressed vessel formation in the transgenic zebrafish (flk:EGFP) embryo. IPA attenuated cell proliferation, cell migration, and capillary-like structure formation in high glucose-treated human vascular endothelial cells. Further, IPA down regulated the expression of high glucose-induced vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and downstream signaling molecule cascade. Overall, the IO extract and IPA exhibited anti-angiogenic effects against high glucose-induced angiogenesis, suggesting their potential for use as therapeutic agents in diabetes-related angiogenesis.
Ammonium Gemini Surfactants Form Complexes with Model Oligomers of siRNA and dsDNA
Authors: Andrzejewska Weronika , Wilkowska Michalina , Skrzypczak Andrzej , Kozak Maciej
Published: November 2019

Dimeric cationic surfactants (gemini-type) are a group of amphiphilic compounds with potential use in gene therapy as effective carriers for nucleic acid transfection (i.e., siRNA, DNA, and plasmid DNA). Our studies have shown the formation of lipoplexes composed of alkanediyl-α,ω-bis[(oxymethyl)dimethyldodecylammonium] chlorides and selected 21-base-pair nucleic acid (dsDNA and siRNA) oligomers. To examine the structure and physicochemical properties of these systems, optical microscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD), small-angle X-ray scattering of synchrotron radiation (SR-SAXS), and agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) were used. The lengths of spacer groups of the studied surfactants had a significant influence on the surfactants’ complexing properties. The lowest charge ratio (p/n) at which stable lipoplexes were observed was 1.5 and the most frequently occurring microstructure of these lipoplexes were cubic and micellar phases for dsDNA and siRNA, respectively. The cytotoxicity tests on HeLa cells indicated the non-toxic concentration of surfactants to be at approximately 10 µM. The dicationic gemini surfactants studied form complexes with siRNA and dsDNA oligomers; however, the complexation process is more effective towards siRNA. Therefore these systems could be applied as transfection systems for therapeutic nucleic acids.
Isoquinolinamine FX-9 Exhibits Anti-Mitotic Activity in Human and Canine Prostate Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Schille Jan Torben , Nolte Ingo , Packeiser Eva-Maria , Wiesner Laura , Hein Jens Ingo , Weiner Franziska , Wu Xiao-Feng , Beller Matthias , Junghanss Christian , Murua Escobar Hugo
Published: November 2019

Current therapies are insufficient for metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) in men and dogs. As human castrate-resistant PCa shares several characteristics with the canine disease, comparative evaluation of novel therapeutic agents is of considerable value for both species. Novel isoquinolinamine FX-9 exhibits antiproliferative activity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines but has not been tested yet on any solid neoplasia type. In this study, FX-9′s mediated effects were characterized on two human (PC-3, LNCaP) and two canine (CT1258, 0846) PCa cell lines, as well as benign solid tissue cells. FX-9 significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis with concentrations in the low micromolar range. Mediated effects were highly comparable between the PCa cell lines of both species, but less pronounced on non-malignant chondrocytes and fibroblasts. Interestingly, FX-9 exposure also leads to the formation and survival of enlarged multinucleated cells through mitotic slippage. Based on the results, FX-9 acts as an anti-mitotic agent with reduced cytotoxic activity in benign cells. The characterization of FX-9-induced effects on PCa cells provides a basis for in vivo studies with the potential of valuable transferable findings to the benefit of men and dogs.
A Guide for Game-Design-Based Gamification
Authors: Gallego-Durán Francisco J. , Villagrá-Arnedo Carlos J. , Satorre-Cuerda Rosana , Compañ-Rosique Patricia , Molina-Carmona Rafael , Llorens-Largo Faraón
Published: November 2019

Many researchers consider Gamification as a powerful way to improve education. Many studies show improvements with respect to traditional methodologies. Several educational strategies have also been combined with Gamification with interesting results. Interest is growing and evidence suggest Gamification has a promising future. However, there is a barrier preventing many researchers from properly understanding Gamification principles. Gamification focuses of engaging trainees in learning with same intensity that games engage players on playing. But only some very well designed games achieve this level of engagement. Designing truly entertaining games is a difficult task with a great artistic component. Although some studies have tried to clarify how Game Design produces fun, there is no scientific consensus. Well established knowledge on Game Design resides in sets of rules of thumb and good practices, based on empirical experience. Game industry professionals acquire this experience through practice. Most educators and researchers often overlook the need for such experience to successfully design Gamification. And so, many research papers focus on single game-elements like points, present non-gaming activities like questionnaires, design non-engaging activities or fail to comprehend the underlying principles on why their designs do not yield expected results. This work presents a rubric for educators and researchers to start working in Gamification without previous experience in Game Design. This rubric decomposes the continuous space of Game Design into a set of ten discrete characteristics. It is aimed at diminishing the entry barrier and helping to acquire initial experience with Game Design fundamentals. The main proposed uses are twofold: to analyse existing games or gamified activities gaining a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and to help in the design or improvement of activities. Focus is on Game Design characteristics rather than game elements, similarly to professional game designers. The goal is to help gaining experience towards designing successful Gamification environments. Presented rubric is based on our previous design experience, compared and contrasted with literature, and empirically tested with some example games and gamified activities.
Assessment of Dredging Scenarios for a Tidal Inlet in a High-Energy Coast
Authors: Fernández-Fernández Sandra , Ferreira Caroline C. , Silva Paulo A. , Baptista Paulo , Romão Soraia , Fontán-Bouzas Ángela , Abreu Tiago , Bertin Xavier
Published: November 2019

The high energetic wave climate of the North Atlantic Ocean causes important morphological changes at Figueira da Foz coastal system (W Portugal), which is comprised of sandy beaches and the Mondego estuary-inlet. The submerged sandbar at the inlet mouth is highly dynamic inducing short waves shoaling and breaking processes that can entail navigation problems towards the local harbor. Therefore, coastal dredging operations are performed to guarantee safe navigation. Nevertheless, these operations have a limited temporal effectiveness and require a high annual budget to be accomplished. The goal of this research is to seek long-life dredging alternatives using modeling tools (i.e., Delft3D model suite). Delft3D model is used to simulate the morphological evolution of five dredging scenarios during a three-month winter period under three wave climate scenarios. The bed level differences at the dredged area and at the inlet mouth for each scenario are analyzed in comparison with numerical solutions obtained in a reference scenario (i.e., no-dredging). Results highlight morphological changes at the dredged inlet and surrounding areas and their effectiveness in extending the operational lifetime of inlet dredged operations on dredging configuration and wave climate conditions. These findings are the basis for selecting the most suitable dredging scenario to this coastal region under current wave climate conditions.
Thrust Prediction of an Active Flapping Foil in Waves Using CFD
Authors: Kumar Rupesh , Shin Hyunkyoung
Published: November 2019

A horizontally submerged passive flapping foil can generate thrust force against the wave propagation using wave energy. This renewable method has been used for the design of propulsion and maneuvering systems of ships and other floating structures. Recently, the passive flapping foils were applied to design the station-keeping system of deep-water floaters. Studies proved that the passively flapping foil system was ineffective in short waves and drift of the floater beyond the design limit was recorded. Therefore, an active flapping foil was investigated as a potential solution to this problem. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical tool “ANSYS Workbench 19.2” was used to predict the thrust force generated by the active flapping foil in a short wave. Results proved that the active flapping foil can effectively convert wave energy into propulsive energy in short waves and the magnitude of the thrust force depends on the flapping frequency.
Thermogenic Characterization and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida auris by Microcalorimetry
Authors: Di Luca Mariagrazia , Koliszak Anna , Karbysheva Svetlana , Chowdhary Anuradha , Meis Jacques , Trampuz Andrej
Published: November 2019

Candida auris has emerged globally as a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen. Isolates of C. auris are reported to be misidentified as Candida haemulonii. The aim of the study was to compare the heat production profiles of C. auris strains and other Candida spp. and evaluate their antifungal susceptibility using isothermal microcalorimetry. The minimum heat inhibitory concentrations (MHIC) and the minimum biofilm fungicidal concentration (MBFC) were defined as the lowest antimicrobial concentration leading to the lack of heat flow production after 24 h for planktonic cells and 48 h for biofilm-embedded cells. C. auris exhibited a peculiar heat production profile. Thermogenic parameters of C. auris suggested a slower growth rate compared to Candida lusitaniae and a different distinct heat profile compared to that of C. haemulonii species complex strains, although they all belong to the Metschnikowiaceae clade. Amphotericin B MHIC and MBFC were 0.5 µg/mL and ≥8 µg/mL, respectively. C. auris strains were non-susceptible to fluconazole at tested concentrations (MHIC > 128 µg/mL, MBFC > 256 µg/mL). The heat curve represents a fingerprint of C. auris, which distinguished it from other species. Treatment based on amphotericin B represents a potential therapeutic option for C. auris infection.
How Long Does It Last to Systematically Make Bad Decisions? An Agent-Based Application for Dividend Policy
Authors: Dragotă Victor , Delcea Camelia
Published: November 2019

Bad decisions have harmful effects on the quality of human life and an increase of their duration expands these undesirable effects. Systematic bad decisions related to dividend policy can affect the investors’ quality of life in the long-term. We propose an agent-based model for the estimation of the duration of systematically making bad decisions, with an application on dividend policy. We propose an algorithm that can be used in modelling the interaction between different classes of shareholders and for predicting this duration. We perform numerical simulations based on this model using NetLogo 6.0.4. We prove that, as a result of agents’ interaction, in some conditions, the duration of systematically making bad decisions can be very long: some numerical simulations suggest that, in some circumstances, this duration can significantly exceed the human lifetime. Additionally, in some conditions, the company can fail before the power is switched. This duration can increase dramatically if the shareholders have a great level of trust in the management’s decisions. As an implication, a greater concern for the quality of financial education, and more performant instruments for controlling the power’s decisions are required.
Global Asset Allocation Strategy Using a Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Kim Eun-chong , Jeong Han-wook , Lee Nak-young
Published: November 2019

This study uses the hidden Markov model (HMM) to identify the phases of individual assets and proposes an investment strategy using price trends effectively. We conducted empirical analysis for 15 years from January 2004 to December 2018 on universes of global assets divided into 10 classes and the more detailed 22 classes. Both universes have been shown to have superior performance in strategy using HMM in common. By examining the change in the weight of the portfolio, the weight change between the asset classes occurs dynamically. This shows that HMM increases the weight of stocks when stock price rises and increases the weight of bonds when stock price falls. As a result of analyzing the performance, it was shown that the HMM effectively reflects the asset selection effect in Jensen’s alpha, Fama’s Net Selectivity and Treynor-Mazuy model. In addition, the strategy of the HMM has positive gamma value even in the Treynor-Mazuy model. Ultimately, HMM is expected to enable stable management compared to existing momentum strategies by having asset selection effect and market forecasting ability.
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Nanostructured Carbonated Hydroxyapatite for Alveolar Bone Repair
Authors: Resende Rodrigo F. B. , Sartoretto Suelen C. , Uzeda Marcelo J. , Alves Adriana T. N. N. , Calasans-Maia José A. , Rossi Alexandre M. , Granjeiro José Mauro , Calasans-Maia Mônica D.
Published: November 2019

The properties of the biodegradation of bone substitutes in the dental socket after extraction is one of the goals of regenerative medicine. This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of a new bioabsorbable nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) with a commercially available bovine xenograft (Bio-Oss®) and clot (control group) in alveolar preservation. Thirty participants who required tooth extraction and implant placement were enrolled in this study. After 90 days, a sample of the grafted area was obtained for histological and histomorphometric evaluation and an implant was installed at the site. All surgical procedures were successfully carried out without complications and none of the patients were excluded. The samples revealed a statistically significant increase of new bone formation (NFB) in the CHA group compared with Bio-Oss® after 90 days from surgery (p < 0.05). However, the clot group presented no differences of NFB compared to CHA and Bio-Oss®. The CHA group presented less amount of reminiscent biomaterial compared to Bio-Oss®. Both biomaterials were considered osteoconductors, easy to handle, biocompatible, and suitable for alveolar filling. Nanostructured carbonated hydroxyapatite spheres promoted a higher biodegradation rate and is a promising biomaterial for alveolar socket preservation before implant treatment.
Mechanical Behaviour of Silicone Membranes Saturated with Short Strand, Loose Polyester Fibres for Prosthetic and Rehabilitative Surrogate Skin Applications
Authors: Arm Richard , Shahidi Arash , Dias Tilak
Published: November 2019

Silicone-based elastomers saturated with embedded, short-strand fibres are used for their ability to mimic the aesthetic qualities of skin in clinical and theatrical maxillofacial appliance design. Well-known to prostheses fabricators and technicians, the mechanical impact of fibre addition on elastomeric behaviour endures as tacit, embodied knowledge of the craft, almost unknown in the literature. To examine mechanical changes caused by fibre addition, 100 modified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomeric compounds containing incremental amounts of loose polyester fibres were prepared and examined in a variety of mechanical tests. It was found that elasticity and strain percentage at breaking point was reduced by increasing fibre content, but Young’s modulus and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased. As fibre content was increased, strain hardening was seen at low strain rates, but exaggerated plastic deformation at high strain rates. PDMS hardness increased by 5 degrees of hardness (Shore-00 scale) for every additional percentage of fibres added and a strong positive linear coefficient (0.993 and 0.995) was identified to reach the hardness values given in the literature for living human skin. The apparent reorienting of loose fibres in the PDMS interrupts and absorbs stress during the loading process similar to the organic response to soft tissue loading, except in extension.
Advanced Open-Celled Structures from Low-Temperature Sintering of a Crystallization-Resistant Bioactive Glass
Authors: Elsayed Hamada , Rincon Romero Acacio , Bellucci Devis , Cannillo Valeria , Bernardo Enrico
Published: November 2019

Most materials for bone tissue engineering are in form of highly porous open-celled components (porosity >70%) developed by means of an adequate coupling of formulations and manufacturing technologies. This paper is dedicated to porous components from BGMS10 bioactive glass, originally designed to undergo viscous flow sintering without crystallization, which is generally known to degrade the bioactivity of 45S5 bioglass. The adopted manufacturing technologies were specifically conceived to avoid any contamination and give excellent control on the microstructures by simple operations. More precisely, ‘green’ components were obtained by digital light processing and direct foaming of glass powders suspended in a photosensitive organic binder or in an aqueous solution, activated with an organic base, respectively. Owing to characteristic quite large sintering window of BGMS10 glass, sintering at 750 °C caused the consolidation of the structures generated at room temperature, without any evidence of viscous collapse.
The Characteristic Properties of Magnetostriction and Magneto-Volume Effects of Ni2MnGa-Type Ferromagnetic Heusler Alloys
Authors: Sakon Takuo , Yamasaki Yuushi , Kodama Hiroto , Kanomata Takeshi , Nojiri Hiroyuki , Adachi Yoshiya
Published: November 2019

In this article, we review the magnetostriction and magneto-volume effects of Ni2MnGa-type ferromagnetic Heusler alloys at the martensitic, premartensitic, and austenitic phases. The correlations of forced magnetostriction (ΔV/V) and magnetization (M), using the self-consistent renormalization (SCR) spin fluctuation theory of an itinerant electron ferromagnet proposed by Takahashi, are evaluated for the ferromagnetic Heusler alloys. The magneto-volume effect occurs due to the interaction between the magnetism and volume change of the magnetic crystals. The magnetic field-induced strain (referred to as forced magnetostriction) and the magnetization are measured, and the correlation of magnetostriction and magnetization is evaluated. The forced volume magnetostriction ΔV/V at the Curie temperature, TC is proportional to M4, and the plots cross the origin point; that is, (M4, ΔV/V) = (0, 0). This consequence is in good agreement with the spin fluctuation theory of Takahashi. An experimental study is carried out and the results of the measurement agree with the theory. The value of forced magnetostriction is proportional to the valence electron concentration per atom (e/a). Therefore, the forced magnetostriction reflects the electronic states of the ferromagnetic alloys. The magnetostriction near the premartensitic transition temperature (TP) induces lattice softening; however, lattice softening is negligible at TC. The forced magnetostriction at TC occurs due to spin fluctuations of the itinerant electrons. In the martensitic and premartensitic phases, softening of the lattice occurs due to the shallow hollow (potential barrier) of the total energy difference between the L21 cubic and modulated 10M or 14M structures. As a result, magnetostriction is increased by the magnetic field.
In Situ Formation of Ti47Cu38Zr7.5Fe2.5Sn2Si1Nb2 Amorphous Coating by Laser Surface Remelting
Authors: Li Peizhen , Meng Lingtao , Wang Shenghai , Wang Kunlun , Sui Qingxuan , Liu Lingyu , Zhang Yuying , Yin Xiaotian , Zhang Qingxia , Wang Li
Published: November 2019

In previous studies, Ti-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) free from Ni and Be were developed as promising biomaterials. Corresponding amorphous coatings might have low elastic modulus, remarkable wear resistance, good corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, the amorphous coatings obtained by the common methods (high velocity oxygen fuel, laser cladding, etc.) have cracks, micro-pores, and unfused particles. In this work, a Ti-based Ti47Cu38Zr7.5Fe2.5Sn2Si1Nb2 amorphous coating with a maximum thickness of about 100 μm was obtained by laser surface remelting (LSR). The in-situ formation makes the coating dense and strongly bonded. It exhibited better corrosion resistance than the matrix and its corrosion mechanism was discussed. The effects of LSR on the microstructural evolution of Ti-based prefabricated alloy sheets were investigated. The nano-hardness in the heat affected zone (HAZ) was markedly increased by 51%, meanwhile the elastic modulus of the amorphous coating was decreased by 18%. This demonstrated that LSR could be an effective method to manufacture the high-quality amorphous coating. The in-situ amorphous coating free from Ni and Be had a low modulus, which might be a potential corrosion-resistant biomaterial.
Are Metal-Free Monolithic Crowns the Present of Prosthesis? Study of Mechanical Behaviour
Authors: Agustín-Panadero Rubén , León Martínez Raquel , Solá-Ruíz María Fernanda , Fons-Font Antonio , García Engra Georgina , Fernández-Estevan Lucía
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To analyze in vitro the mechanical behavior of five types of complete coverage crowns fabricated from different materials. Materials and methods: Seventy-five full coverage crowns were divided into five groups according to material: Group I, metal core with feldspathic ceramic covering (MC- control group); Group II, zirconia core with feldspathic ceramic covering (CZ); Group III, tetragonal monolithic zirconia (TMZ); Group IV, cubic monolithic zirconia (CMZ); Group V, high molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMAG) doped with graphene nanoparticles. All crowns underwent in vitro fatiguing by dynamic loading in wet conditions to simulate the masticatory forces to which prosthodontic materials are subject in the oral medium. Lastly, fracture resistance was evaluated by static compression testing. Results: The fracture resistance values obtained were as follows: Group MC, 2443.6 ± 238.6 N; Group CZ, 2095.4 ± 329.2 N; Group TMZ, 2494.6 ± 236.6 N; Group CMZ, 1523.6 ± 325.2 N; and Group PMMAG, 1708.9 ± 386.6 N. Group MC presented higher strength with statistically significant differences in comparison with Groups CZ (P = 0.002), CMZ (P < 0.001), and PMMAG (P < 0.001). Weibull distribution showed less probability of cumulative biomechanical failure in Groups MC and TMZ. Conclusions: Metal-ceramic and tetragonal zirconia showed high fracture resistance, while cubic zirconia and PMMA doped with graphene nanoparticles obtained lower values.
Recent Progress with In Situ Characterization of Interfacial Structures under a Solid–Gas Atmosphere by HP-STM and AP-XPS
Authors: Zhang Huan , Sun Haoliang , Shen Kongchao , Hu Jinping , Hu Jinbang , Jiang Zheng , Song Fei
Published: November 2019

Surface science is an interdisciplinary field involving various subjects such as physics, chemistry, materials, biology and so on, and it plays an increasingly momentous role in both fundamental research and industrial applications. Despite the encouraging progress in characterizing surface/interface nanostructures with atomic and orbital precision under ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) conditions, investigating in situ reactions/processes occurring at the surface/interface under operando conditions becomes a crucial challenge in the field of surface catalysis and surface electrochemistry. Promoted by such pressing demands, high-pressure scanning tunneling microscopy (HP-STM) and ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS), for example, have been designed to conduct measurements under operando conditions on the basis of conventional scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and photoemission spectroscopy, which are proving to become powerful techniques to study various heterogeneous catalytic reactions on the surface. This report reviews the development of HP-STM and AP-XPS facilities and the application of HP-STM and AP-XPS on fine investigations of heterogeneous catalytic reactions via evolutions of both surface morphology and electronic structures, including dehydrogenation, CO oxidation on metal-based substrates, and so on. In the end, a perspective is also given regarding the combination of in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and STM towards the identification of the structure–performance relationship.
Iron Oxide Labeling and Tracking of Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Tada Yuko , C. Yang Phillip
Published: November 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are essential tools for conveying biological information and modulating functions of recipient cells. Implantation of isolated or modulated EVs can be innovative therapeutics for various diseases. Furthermore, EVs could be a biocompatible drug delivery vehicle to carry both endogenous and exogenous biologics. Tracking EVs should play essential roles in understanding the functions of EVs and advancing EV therapeutics. EVs have the characteristic structures consisting of the lipid bilayer and specific membrane proteins, through which they can be labeled efficiently. EVs can be labeled either directly using probes or indirectly by transfection of reporter genes. Optical imaging (fluorescent imaging and bioluminescent imaging), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are currently used for imaging EVs. Labeling EVs with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles for MRI tracking is a promising method that can be translated into clinic. SPIO can be internalized by most of the cell types and then released as SPIO containing EVs, which can be visualized on T2*-weighted imaging. However, this method has limitations in real-time imaging because of the life cycle of SPIO after EV degradation. Further studies will be needed to validate SPIO labeling by other imaging modalities in preclinical studies. The emerging technologies of labeling and imaging EVs with SPIO in comparison with other imaging modalities are reviewed in this paper.
Numerical Simulation of Feller’s Diffusion Equation
Authors: Dutykh Denys
Published: November 2019

This article is devoted to Feller’s diffusion equation, which arises naturally in probability and physics (e.g., wave turbulence theory). If discretized naively, this equation may represent serious numerical difficulties since the diffusion coefficient is practically unbounded and most of its solutions are weakly divergent at the origin. In order to overcome these difficulties, we reformulate this equation using some ideas from the Lagrangian fluid mechanics. This allows us to obtain a numerical scheme with a rather generous stability condition. Finally, the algorithm admits an elegant implementation, and the corresponding Matlab code is provided with this article under an open source license.
An Application of Total-Colored Graphs to Describe Mutations in Non-Mendelian Genetics
Authors: Falcón Raúl M. , Falcón Óscar J. , Núñez Juan
Published: November 2019

Any gene mutation during the mitotic cell cycle of a eukaryotic cell can be algebraically represented by an isotopism of the evolution algebra describing the genetic pattern of the inheritance process. We identify any such pattern with a total-colored graph so that any isotopism of the former is uniquely related to an isomorphism of the latter. This enables us to develop some results on graph theory in the context of the molecular processes that occur during the S-phase of a mitotic cell cycle. In particular, each monochromatic subset of edges is identified with a mutation or regulatory mechanism that relates any two statuses of the genotypes of a pair of chromatids.
Analytical Solution of Sloshing in a Cylindrical Tank with an Elastic Cover
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Jamalabadi Mohammad Yaghoub
Published: November 2019

Coupled fluid-structure is significant in many aspects of engineering applications such as aerospace fuel tanks, the seismic safety of storage tanks and tuned liquid dampers. Numerical investigation of the effects of thin plate cover over a cylindrical rigid fuel tank filled by an inviscid, irrotational, and incompressible fluid is investigated. Governing equations of fluid motion coupled by plate vibration are solved analytically. A parameter study on the natural frequency of coupled fluid-structure interaction is performed. The results show the non-dimensional natural frequency of coupled fluid-structure is a function of mass ratio, plate elasticity number and aspect ratio. This function is derived numerically for high aspect ratios which in companion with a semi-analytical could be used in the engineering design of liquid tanks with a cover plate.
Unique Aggregation of Sterigmatocystin in Water Yields Strong and Specific Circular Dichroism Response Allowing Highly Sensitive and Selective Monitoring of Bio-Relevant Interactions
Authors: Jakšić Daniela , Šegvić Klarić Maja , Crnolatac Ivo , Šijaković Vujičić Nataša , Smrečki Vilko , Górecki Marcin , Pescitelli Gennaro , Piantanida Ivo
Published: November 2019

We demonstrated the hitherto unknown property of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (STC) to provide homogeneous solutions in aqueous medium by forming a unique aggregate type (not formed by analogous aflatoxins), characterized by exceptionally strong circular dichroism (CD) bands in the 300–400 nm range. Results showed that these CD bands do not originate from intrinsic STC chirality but are a specific property of a peculiar aggregation process similar to psi-DNA CD response. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments revealed a fine fiber network resembling a supramolecular gel structure with helical fibers. Thermodynamic studies of aggregates by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed high reversibility of the dominant aggregation process. We demonstrated that the novel STC psi-CD band at 345 nm could be applied at biorelevant conditions (100 nanomolar concentration) and even in marine-salt content conditions for specific and quantitative monitoring of STC. Also, we showed that STC strongly non-covalently interacts with ds-DNA with likely toxic effects, thus contrary to the previous belief requiring prior enzyme epoxidation.
Comparison of the Therapeutic Efficacies of Topical Rivoceranib and Topical Bevacizumab in a Murine Model of Corneal Neovascularization
Authors: Yoon Hyeon Jeong , Woo Je Moon , Ji Yong Sok , Yoon Kyung Chul
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives: Corneal neovasculariziation (CNV) is a serious vision-threatening complication; however, all therapeutics have their clinical limitations. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of topical rivoceranib compared with topical bevacizumab in a murine model of corneal neovascularization (CNV). Materials and Methods: Murine CNV was induced by means of total de-epithelization and alkali burn. Mice were divided into five groups according to topical treatment: untreated control, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 0.1% and 0.5% rivoceranib, and 0.5% bevacizumab. CNV area and index were measured 7 and 14 days after treatment. After corneal tissues were excised at day 14, the blood and lymphatic vessels were quantified by cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE1) immunofluorescence, respectively. Results: After 14 days, treatment groups with 0.1% and 0.5% rivoceranib and 0.5% bevacizumab showed a decrease in CNV area and index compared with the untreated and PBS groups (all p < 0.01). Blood and lymphatic vascularization significantly decreased in the 0.5% rivoceranib and 0.5% bevacizumab groups, as measured by CD31 and LYVE1 immunofluorescence. There was no significant difference of vascularization between the 0.5% rivoceranib and bevacizumab groups. Conclusions: Topical application of rivoceranib could effectively decrease CNV equivalent to topical bevacizumab in a murine model.
Lead Exposure and Cardiovascular Disease among Young and Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Obeng-Gyasi Emmanuel
Published: November 2019

Lead and its effects on cardiovascular-related markers were explored in this cross-sectional study of young adults (18–44 years) and middle-aged adults (45–65 years) from the United States using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2009–2016. Degrees of exposure were created using blood lead level (BLL) as the biomarker of exposure based on the epidemiologically relevant threshold of BLL > 5 μg/dL. The mean values, in addition to the percentages of people represented for the markers of interest (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non-HDL-C]) were explored. Among those exposed to lead, the likelihood of elevated clinical markers (as defined by clinically relevant thresholds of above normal) were examined using binary logistic regression. In exploring exposure at the 5 μg/dL levels, there were significant differences in all the mean variables of interest between young and middle-aged adults. The binary logistic regression showed young and middle-aged adults exposed to lead were significantly more likely to have elevated markers (apart from DBP). In all, lead affects cardiovascular-related markers in young and middle-aged U.S. adults and thus we must continue to monitor lead exposure to promote health.
Scope and Limitations of γ-Valerolactone (GVL) as a Green Solvent to be Used with Base for Fmoc Removal in Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Sharma Anamika , de la Torre Beatriz G. , Albericio Fernando
Published: November 2019

GVL is a green solvent used in Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis. It is susceptible to ring opening in the presence of bases such as piperidines, which are used to remove the Fmoc protecting group. Here we studied the formation of the corresponding acyl piperidides by time-dependent monitoring using NMR. The results, corroborated by theoretical calculations, indicate that a solution of piperidines in GVL should be prepared daily for a better Fmoc removal.
Isolation, Structure Elucidation, and Antiproliferative Activity of Butanolides and Lignan Glycosides from the Fruit of Hernandia nymphaeifolia
Authors: Aimaiti Simayijiang , Saito Yohei , Fukuyoshi Shuichi , Goto Masuo , Miyake Katsunori , Newman David J. , O’Keefe Barry R. , Lee Kuo-Hsiung , Nakagawa-Goto Kyoko
Published: November 2019

Seven new butanolides, peltanolides A–G (1–7), and two lignan glucosides, peltasides A (8) and B (9), along with eleven known compounds, 10–20, were isolated from a crude CH3OH/CH2Cl2 (1:1) extract of the fruit of Hernandia nymphaeifolia (Hernandiaceae). The structures of 1–9 were characterized by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and HRMS analysis. The absolute configurations of newly isolated compounds 1–9 were determined from data obtained by optical rotation and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) exciton chirality methods. Butanolides and lignan glucosides have not been isolated previously from this genus. Several isolated compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against human tumor cell lines. Lignans 15 and 16 were slightly active against chemosensitive tumor cell lines A549 and MCF-7, respectively. Furthermore, both compounds displayed significant activity (IC50 = 5 µM) against a P-glycoprotein overexpressing multidrug-resistant tumor cell line (KB-VIN) but were less active against its parent chemosensitive cell line (KB).
An Appraisal of Developments in Allium Sulfur Chemistry: Expanding the Pharmacopeia of Garlic
Authors: Rose Peter , Moore Philip Keith , Whiteman Matthew , Zhu Yi-Zhun
Published: November 2019

Alliums and allied plant species are rich sources of sulfur compounds that have effects on vascular homeostasis and the control of metabolic systems linked to nutrient metabolism in mammals. In view of the multiple biological effects ascribed to these sulfur molecules, researchers are now using these compounds as inspiration for the synthesis and development of novel sulfur-based therapeutics. This research has led to the chemical synthesis and biological assessment of a diverse array of sulfur compounds representative of derivatives of S-alkenyl-l-cysteine sulfoxides, thiosulfinates, ajoene molecules, sulfides, and S-allylcysteine. Many of these synthetic derivatives have potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties when tested in preclinical models of disease. Therefore, the current review provides an overview of advances in the development and biological assessment of synthetic analogs of allium-derived sulfur compounds.
Separation, Identification, and Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenols from Lotus Seed Epicarp
Authors: Ma Zhili , Huang Yi , Huang Wen , Feng Xi , Yang Fang , Li Deyuan
Published: November 2019

Lotus seed epicarp, the main by-product of lotus seed processing, is abundant in polyphenols. In this study, polyphenols in lotus seed epicarp were separated by Sephadex LH-20 gel filtration chromatography to yield Fraction-I (F-I), Fraction-II (F-II), and Fraction-III (F-III). The polyphenol compounds in the three fractions were identified by UPLC-MI-TOF-MS. Six kinds of polyphenol compounds including cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, procyanidin trimer, and phlorizin were identified in F-I, and prodelphinidin dimer B, procyanidin dimer, and quercetin hexoside isomer were found in F-II. However, there was only procyanidin dimer identified in F-III. The in vitro antioxidant activities of the three fractions were also investigated. We found F-I, F-II, and F-III had strong potential antioxidant activities in the order of F-III > F-II > F-I. Our results suggested that polyphenols from lotus seed epicarp might be suitable for use as a potential food additive.
Synthesis, Surface and Antimicrobial Activity of New Lactose-Based Surfactants
Authors: Michocka Katarzyna , Staszak Katarzyna , Gwiazdowska Daniela , Wieczorek Daria
Published: November 2019

This work presents a synthesis method for new surfactants based on lactose. The compounds obtained belong to the homologous series of O-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-N-alkyl-(3-sulfopropyl)-D-glucosamine hydrochloride, containing 12 and 14 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, and they may serve as an example of cationic surfactants. The newly synthesized compounds exhibit good surface properties, low value of CMC (Critical Micelle Concentration) and good wetting properties. These surfactants’ ability to produce foam is considerably higher than in the commercial surfactants. Moreover, antibacterial and fungistatic activity was carried out by well diffusion assay against the selected bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), yeasts (Candida albicans) and filamentous fungi (Fusarium graminearum, F. avenaceum, F. oxysporum, F. culmorum, F. equiseti, Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea). It was shown that the resulting quaternary salts significantly inhibit the growth of tested microorganisms. Antibacterial and fungistatic activity of the surfactant compounds varied depending on the species of bacteria or fungi. The results of antimicrobial activity of new lactose derivatives indicate that the compounds exhibit larger or similar antagonistic activity against tested bacteria and fungi than typical cationic surfactant cetylpyridinium chloride.