bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PlantCrystals—Nanosized Plant Material for Improved Bioefficacy of Medical Plants
Authors: Abraham Abraham M. , Alnemari Reem M. , Jacob Claus , Keck Cornelia M.
Published: October 2020

PlantCrystals are obtained by milling plant material to sizes < 10 µm. Due to the disruption of the plant cells, active compounds are easily released, rendering the PlantCrystal technology an effective and low-cost process for the production of environmentally friendly plant extracts. The extracts can be used to produce phytomedicines, nutritional supplements or cosmetic products. Previous studies could already demonstrate the use of PlantCrystals to improve the antimicrobial or antifungal activity of different plants. This study investigated whether PlantCrystal technology is suitable to produce plant derived formulations with high antioxidant capacity. The study also aimed to identify the most suitable production methods for this. Methods: Various plant materials and parts of plants, i.e., seeds, leaves and flowers, and different methods were employed for the production. PlantCrystals were characterized regarding size, physical stability and antioxidant capacity (AOC). Results: PlantCrystals with particles < 1 µm were produced from the different plant materials. Both production methods, i.e., high-pressure homogenization, bead milling or the combination of both were suitable to obtain PlantCrystals. Nano milling of the plant material greatly affected their AOC and resulted in formulations with distinctly higher AOC when compared to classical extracts. Conclusions: Rendering plant material into small sized particles is highly effective to obtain plant extracts with high biological efficacy.
Impact Resistance Study of Three-Dimensional Orthogonal Carbon Fibers/BMI Resin Woven Composites
Authors: Hu Yanqi , He Zekan , Xuan Haijun
Published: October 2020

Three-dimensional woven composites have been reported to have superior fracture toughness, fatigue life and damage tolerance compared with laminated composites due to through-thickness reinforcement. These properties make them lighter replacements for traditional high-strength metals and laminated composites. This paper will present impact resistance research on three-dimensional orthogonal woven composites consisting of carbon fibers/bismaleimide resin (BMI). A series of impact tests were conducted using the gas gun technique with the impacted target of 150 mm × 150 mm × 8 mm (length × width × thickness) and the cylindrical titanium projectile. The projectile velocity ranged from 180 m/s to 280 m/s, generating different results from rebound to perforation. This paper also presents a multiscale modeling strategy to investigate the damage and failure behavior of three-dimensional woven composites. The microscale and mesoscale are identified to consider the fiber/matrix scale and the tow architecture scale respectively. The macroscale model was effective with homogenized feature. Then a combined meso-macroscale model was developed with the interface definitions for component analysis in the explicit dynamic software LS-DYNA. The presented results showed reliable interface connection and can be used to study localized composites damage at a relatively high efficiency.
Main and Accessory Canal Filling Quality of a Premixed Calcium Silicate Endodontic Sealer According to Different Obturation Techniques
Authors: Ko Su-Yeon , Choi Hae Won , Jeong E-Deun , Rosa Vinicius , Hwang Yun-Chan , Yu Mi-Kyung , Min Kyung-San
Published: October 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different obturation techniques on the main and accessory canal filling quality of a premixed calcium silicate endodontic sealer (Endoseal TCS). We also highlighted the validity of the methods used for evaluating the canal filling quality. Thirty single-rooted premolars were used for the main canal filling and 75 were used for accessory canal filling. The canals were instrumented and randomly divided into three groups according to the filling techniques: (1) single-cone technique (SC), (2) single-cone with ultrasonic activation (SU), and (3) warm vertical compaction (WV). Voids in relation to the root canal fillings were assessed using cross-section images from microcomputed tomography (μCT) scans or transversely sectioned tooth specimens (n = 10). After demineralization and clearing of the teeth, the incidence, number, and completeness of the accessory canal fillings were evaluated (n = 25). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test was used for the evaluation of the voids in the main root canal and the incidence and number of filled accessory canals. Pearson’s chi-squared (χ2) test was used for the evaluation of the filling completeness (α = 0.05). In the stereomicroscopic evaluation of the sectioned specimen, the SC group had significantly higher void occurrence than the other groups (p < 0.05), although there was no difference between groups in the μCT evaluation. However, there was no difference between the SU and WV. There was no difference between all the groups regarding the incidence, number, and completeness of the accessory canal fillings. When the premixed calcium silicate sealer is used with SC, the ultrasonic activation is recommended to obtain a better main canal filling quality. In contrast, the obturation techniques did not affect the accessory canal filling. We also recommend using the sectioning method when the void formation in the root canal filling materials is evaluated.
Evaluation of New Octacalcium Phosphate-Coated Xenograft in Rats Calvarial Defect Model on Bone Regeneration
Authors: Jung Yoona , Kim Won-Hyeon , Lee Sung-Ho , Ju Kyung Won , Jang Eun-Hee , Kim Sung-O , Kim Bongju , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: October 2020

Bone graft material is essential for satisfactory and sufficient bone growth which leads to a successful implant procedure. It is classified into autogenous bone, allobone, xenobone and alloplastic materials. Among them, it has been reported that heterogeneous bone graft material has a porous microstructure that increases blood vessels and bone formation, and shows faster bone formation than other types of bone graft materials. We observed new bone tissue formation and bone remodeling using Ti-oss® (Chiyewon Co., Ltd., Guri, Korea), a heterologous bone graft material. Using a Sprague–Dawley rat calvarial defect model to evaluate the bone healing effect of biomaterials, the efficacy of the newly developed xenograft Ti-oss® and Bio-Oss® (Geistilch Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland). The experimental animals were sacrificed at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery for each group and the experimental site was extracted. The average new bone area for the Ti-oss® experimental group at 8 weeks was 17.6%. The remaining graft material was 22.7% for the experimental group. The average new bone area for the Ti-oss® group was 24.3% at 12 weeks. The remaining graft material was 22.8% for the experimental group. It can be evaluated that the new bone-forming ability of Ti-oss® with octacalcium phosphate (OCP) has the bone-forming ability corresponding to the conventional products.
On Special Spacelike Hybrid Numbers
Authors: Szynal-Liana Anetta , Włoch Iwona
Published: October 2020

Hybrid numbers are generalizations of complex, hyperbolic and dual numbers. A hyperbolic complex structure is frequently used in both pure mathematics and numerous areas of physics. In this paper we introduce a special kind of spacelike hybrid number, namely the F(p,n)-Fibonacci hybrid numbers and we give some of their properties.
Exploring a Convection–Diffusion–Reaction Model of the Propagation of Forest Fires: Computation of Risk Maps for Heterogeneous Environments
Authors: Bürger Raimund , Gavilán Elvis , Inzunza Daniel , Mulet Pep , Villada Luis Miguel
Published: October 2020

The propagation of a forest fire can be described by a convection–diffusion–reaction problem in two spatial dimensions, where the unknowns are the local temperature and the portion of fuel consumed as functions of spatial position and time. This model can be solved numerically in an efficient way by a linearly implicit–explicit (IMEX) method to discretize the convection and nonlinear diffusion terms combined with a Strang-type operator splitting to handle the reaction term. This method is applied to several variants of the model with variable, nonlinear diffusion functions, where it turns out that increasing diffusivity (with respect to a given base case) significantly enlarges the portion of fuel burnt within a given time while choosing an equivalent constant diffusivity or a degenerate one produces comparable results for that quantity. In addition, the effect of spatial heterogeneity as described by a variable topography is studied. The variability of topography influences the local velocity and direction of wind. It is demonstrated how this variability affects the direction and speed of propagation of the wildfire and the location and size of the area of fuel consumed. The possibility to solve the base model efficiently is utilized for the computation of so-called risk maps. Here the risk associated with a given position in a sub-area of the computational domain is quantified by the rapidity of consumption of a given amount of fuel by a fire starting in that position. As a result, we obtain that, in comparison with the planar case and under the same wind conditions, the model predicts a higher risk for those areas where both the variability of topography (as expressed by the gradient of its height function) and the wind velocity are influential. In general, numerical simulations show that in all cases the risk map with for a non-planar topography includes areas with a reduced risk as well as such with an enhanced risk as compared to the planar case.
On the Generalized Cross-Law of Importation in Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Li Kai
Published: October 2020

Recently, Baczyński et al. introduced two pexider-type generalisations of the law of importation in fuzzy logic, i.e., I(C(x, α), y)=I(x, J(α, y) (GLI) and I(C(x, α), y)=J(x, I(α, y) (CLI), where C is a fuzzy conjunction and I, J are fuzzy implications. However, (CLI) has not been adequately investigated so far. In this paper, we firstly show that (CLI) can be derived from the α-migrativity of an R-implication obtained from an α-migrative t-norm. Secondly, the relationships between the satisfaction of the law of importation (LI) by the pairs (C, I) or (C, J) and the satisfaction of (CLI) by the triple (C, I, J) are studied. Moreover, some necessary conditions of (CLI) are given. Finally, we study (CLI) under three different perspectives.
Exploitation of a Productive Asset in the Presence of Strategic Behavior and Pollution Externalities
Authors: Vardar N. Baris , Zaccour Georges
Published: October 2020

We study the strategic behavior of firms competing in the exploitation of a common-access productive asset, in the presence of pollution externalities. We consider a differential game with two state variables (asset stock and pollution stock), and by using a piecewise-linear approximation of the nonlinear asset growth function, we provide a tractable characterization of the symmetric feedback–Nash equilibrium with asymptotically stable steady state(s). The results show that the firm’s strategy takes three forms depending on the pair of state variables and that different options for the model parameters lead to contrasting outcomes in both the short- and long-run equilibria.
The Feynman–Kac Representation and Dobrushin–Lanford–Ruelle States of a Quantum Bose-Gas
Authors: Suhov Yuri , Kelbert Mark , Stuhl Izabella
Published: October 2020

This paper focuses on infinite-volume bosonic states for a quantum particle system (a quantum gas) in Rd. The kinetic energy part of the Hamiltonian is the standard Laplacian (with a boundary condition at the border of a ‘box’). The particles interact with each other through a two-body finite-range potential depending on the distance between them and featuring a hard core of diameter a>0. We introduce a class of so-called FK-DLR functionals containing all limiting Gibbs states of the system. As a justification of this concept, we prove that for d=2, any FK-DLR functional is shift-invariant, regardless of whether it is unique or not. This yields a quantum analog of results previously achieved by Richthammer.
Dyadic Green’s Function and the Application of Two-Layer Model
Authors: Gu Gendai , Shi Jieyu , Zhang Jinghua , Zhao Meiling
Published: October 2020

Dyadic Green’s function (DGF) is a powerful and elegant way of solving electromagnetic problems in the multilayered media. In this paper, we introduce the electric and magnetic DGFs in free space, respectively. Furthermore, the symmetry of different kinds of DGFs is proved. This paper focuses on the application of DGF in a two-layer model. By introducing the universal form of the vector wave functions in space rectangular, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, the corresponding DGFs are obtained. We derive the concise and explicit formulas for the electric fields represented by a vertical electric dipole source. It is expected that the proposed DGF can be extended to some more electric field problem in the two-layer model.
Distance and Similarity Measures for Octahedron Sets and Their Application to MCGDM Problems
Authors: Şenel Güzide , Lee Jeong-Gon , Hur Kul
Published: October 2020

In this paper, in order to apply the concept of octahedron sets to multi-criteria group decision-making problems, we define several similarity and distance measures for octahedron sets. We present a multi-criteria group decision-making method with linguistic variables in octahedron set environment. We give a numerical example for multi-criteria group decision-making problems.
Germline BRCA Mutation and Clinical Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients Focusing on Survival and Failure Patterns: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of Koreans
Authors: Kim Hakyoung , Choi Doo Ho , Park Won
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a BRCA mutation on survival and failure patterns, focusing on the risk of ipsilateral recurrence and contralateral breast cancer in patients. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 300 patients with breast cancer who underwent genetic screening for BRCA1/2 genes and were treated at Samsung Medical Center between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2010. Ultimately, clinical outcomes of 273 patients were analyzed. Results: The median follow-up duration was 102 months (range, 1 to 220 months). Patients with BRCA1/2-mutated tumors had a shorter 10-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate compared to those with non-mutated tumors (62.8% vs. 80.0%, p = 0.02). Regarding failure patterns, patients with BRCA1/2-mutated tumors showed a higher incidence of contralateral breast cancer than those with non-mutated tumors (BRCA1/2 non-mutated vs. mutated tumors: 4.9% vs. 26.0%, p < 0.001). BRCA mutation status remained a significant prognostic factor for contralateral breast recurrence-free survival (HR: 4.155; 95% CI: 1.789–9.652; p = 0.001). Korean patients with a BRCA mutation showed inferior DFS compared to those without a BRCA mutation. Conclusions: BRCA mutation status is a strong predictor of recurrence in contralateral breast cancer. Strategies such as prophylactic treatment and active surveillance should be discussed with breast cancer patients who have a BRCA mutation.
Pilot-Scale Demonstration of Membrane-Based Nitrogen Recovery from Swine Manure
Authors: Molinuevo-Salces Beatriz , Riaño Berta , Vanotti Matias B. , Hernández-González David , García-González María Cruz
Published: October 2020

Gas-permeable membranes technology presents a high potential for nitrogen (N) recovery from wastewaters rich in ammonia (NH3). The EU project Ammonia Trapping (AT) is aimed at transferring knowledge from the lab-scale level to on-farm pilot-scale level, using this technology to recover NH3 from livestock wastewaters. The goal of this study is to report the results of an on-farm pilot-scale demonstration plant using gas-permeable membranes to recover N from raw swine manure. After a setup optimization of the plant, stable, and continuous operation was achieved. The maximum NH3 recovery rate obtained was 38.20 g NH3-N m−2 membrane day−1. This recovery rate was greatly affected by the temperature of the process. In addition to its contribution to NH3 emissions reduction, this technology contributes to the recovery of nutrients in the form of a concentrated stable ammonium sulphate solution. This solution contained 3.2% of N, which makes it suitable for fertigation. The economic approach revealed an economic feasibility of the technology, resulting in a cost of 2.07 € per kg N recovered.
Hydration and Diffusion of H+, Li+, Na+, Cs+ Ions in Cation-Exchange Membranes Based on Polyethylene- and Sulfonated-Grafted Polystyrene Studied by NMR Technique and Ionic Conductivity Measurements
Authors: Volkov Vitaliy I. , Chernyak Alexander V. , Golubenko Daniil V. , Tverskoy Vladimir A. , Lochin Georgiy A. , Odjigaeva Ervena S. , Yaroslavtsev Andrey B.
Published: October 2020

The main particularities of sulfonate groups hydration, water molecule and alkaline metal cation translation mobility as well as ionic conductivity were revealed by NMR and impedance spectroscopy techniques. Cation-exchange membranes MSC based on cross-linked sulfonated polystyrene (PS) grafted on polyethylene with ion-exchange capacity of 2.5 mg-eq/g were investigated. Alkaline metal cation hydration numbers (h) calculated from temperature dependences of 1H chemical shift of water molecule for membranes equilibrated with water vapor at RH = 95% are 5, 6, and 4 for Li+, Na+, and Cs+ ions, respectively. These values are close to h for equimolar aqueous salt solutions. Water molecules and counter ions Li+, Na+, and Cs+ diffusion coefficients were measured by pulsed field gradient NMR on the 1H, 7Li, 23Na, and 133Cs nuclei. For membranes as well as for aqueous chloride solutions, cation diffusion coefficients increased in the following sequence: Li+ < Na+ < Cs+. Cation and water molecule diffusion activation energies in temperature range from 20 °C to 80 °C were close to each other (about 20 kJ/mol). The cation conductivity of MSC membranes is in the same sequence, Li+ < Na+ < Cs+ << H+. The conductivity values calculated from the NMR diffusion coefficients with the use of the Nernst–Einstein equation are essentially higher than experimentally determined coefficients. The reason for this discrepancy is the heterogeneity of membrane pore and channel system. Ionic conductivity is limited by cation transfer in narrow channels, whereas the diffusion coefficient characterizes ion mobility in wide pores first of all.
Lattice Stability and Elastic Properties of Zr-Ti-X Alloys (X = Al, V) by the First Principles Study
Authors: Duan Wenxiong , Liang Xiaoping , Yang Xiangguan , Wang Yu , Luan Baifeng
Published: October 2020

Based on a certain ratio of Zr and Ti atomic fractions according to Zr47Ti45Al5V3 (wt.%), the lattice constants, lattice stability, and elastic properties of Zr-Ti-X alloys (X = Al, V) in body-centered cubic (BCC) (β phase) and hexagonal close-packed (HCP) (α phase) crystal structures were studied using first-principles calculations. It is shown that Al acts as an α stabilizer for Zr-Ti-Al alloys and V can stabilize the β phase for Zr-Ti-V alloys. As the mass fraction of Al increases from 4 wt.% (Zr55Ti41Al4) to 6.8 wt.% (Zr53.2Ti40Al6.8), these alloys all have relatively good strength, hardness, and rigidity, however, their ductility deteriorated with the increasing of Al mass fraction. When the mass fraction of V in Zr-Ti-V alloys is 2.4 wt.%, Zr55.6Ti42V2.4 (wt.%) achieved the best strength, hardness, and rigidity, when the mass fraction of V increases from 0 (Zr57Ti43) to 12 wt.% (Zr50.2Ti37.8V12), their ductility improved. The changes of phase compositions and structure with Al content or V content distinctly affect mechanical properties of ternary Zr-Ti-X alloys (X = Al, V), the amount of Zr and Ti could be factors that impact the mechanical properties of the multiphase Zr47Ti45Al5V3 from the point of view of ternary Zr-Ti-Al and Zr-Ti-V compositions.
Graphene-Based Contacts for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Fernández Susana , Molinero Antonio , Sanz David , González José , Cruz Marina , Gandía José , Cárabe Julio
Published: October 2020

Hybrid transparent contacts based on combinations of a transparent conductive oxide and a few graphene monolayers were developed in order to evaluate their optical and electrical performance with the main aim to use them as front contacts in optoelectronic devices. The assessment of the most suitable strategies for their fabrication was performed by testing different protocols addressing such issues as the protection of the device structure underneath, the limitation of sample temperature during the graphene-monolayer transfer process and the determination of the most suitable stacking structure. Suitable metal ohmic electrodes were also evaluated. Among a number of options tested, the metal contact based on Ti + Ag showed the highest reproducibility and the lowest contact resistivity. Finally, with the objective of extracting the current generated from optoelectronic devices to the output pins of an external package, focusing on a near future commercial application, the electrical properties of the connections made with an ultrasonic bonding machine (sonic welding) between the optimized Ti + Ag metal contacts and Al or Au micro-wires were also evaluated. All these results have an enormous potential as hybrid electrodes based on graphene to be used in novel designs of a future generation of optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells.
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron Fosters the Growth of Butyrate-Producing Anaerostipes caccae in the Presence of Lactose and Total Human Milk Carbohydrates
Authors: Chia Loo Wee , Mank Marko , Blijenberg Bernadet , Aalvink Steven , Bongers Roger S. , Stahl Bernd , Knol Jan , Belzer Clara
Published: October 2020

The development of infant gut microbiota is strongly influenced by nutrition. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOSs) in breast milk selectively promote the growth of glycan-degrading microbes, which lays the basis of the microbial network. In this study, we investigated the trophic interaction between Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and the butyrate-producing Anaerostipes caccae in the presence of early-life carbohydrates. Anaerobic bioreactors were set up to study the monocultures of B. thetaiotaomicron and the co-cultures of B. thetaiotaomicron with A. caccae in minimal media supplemented with lactose or a total human milk carbohydrate fraction. Bacterial growth (qPCR), metabolites (HPLC), and HMOS utilization (LC-ESI-MS2) were monitored. B. thetaiotaomicron displayed potent glycan catabolic capability with differential preference in degrading specific low molecular weight HMOSs, including the neutral trioses (2′-FL and 3-FL), neutral tetraoses (DFL, LNT, LNnT), neutral pentaoses (LNFP I, II, III, V), and acidic trioses (3′-SL and 6′-SL). In contrast, A. caccae was not able to utilize lactose and HMOSs. However, the signature metabolite of A. caccae, butyrate, was detected in co-culture with B. thetaiotaomicron. As such, A. caccae cross-fed on B. thetaiotaomicron-derived monosaccharides, acetate, and d-lactate for growth and concomitant butyrate production. This study provides a proof of concept that B. thetaiotaomicron could drive the butyrogenic metabolic network in the infant gut.
Mineralogical Study and Genetic Model of Efflorescent Salts and Crusts from Two Abandoned Tailings in the Taxco Mining District, Guerrero (Mexico)
Authors: Pi-Puig Teresa , Solé Jesús , Gómez Cruz Adriana
Published: October 2020

The mineralogy of surface crusts and efflorescent salts of two old abandoned tailings (Xochula and Remedios) of the mining district of Taxco, Guerrero, was studied by short-wave infrared spectroscopy (SWIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemistry of the selected samples was studied with induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). Principal mineralogy is composed of hydrated sulfates of iron (di-trivalent), other less-soluble sulfates such as gypsum and jarosite, and oxides–hydroxides of iron, all of which are the result of the weathering of sulfides (mainly pyrite) accumulated in mining waste. Using quantitative X-ray diffraction (Rietveld method) and the spatial distribution of secondary minerals, two main zones (lateral and central) have been established in both tailings. The genetic model for their formation shows that the secondary iron minerals (sulfates, oxides, and hydroxides) in these deposits have been formed at least in three different stages, mainly by oxidation, dissolution, and precipitation processes in combination with dehydration and primary sulfides neutralization reactions. The chemical analyses of some salts confirm the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in their structure and therefore indicate that the dissolution of the efflorescences in these deposits is a potential source of contamination during the wet season.
Induction of Redox-Mediated Cell Death in ER-Positive and ER-Negative Breast Cancer Cells by a Copper(II)-Phenolate Complex: An In Vitro and In Silico Study
Authors: Periasamy Vaiyapuri Subbarayan , Riyasdeen Anvarbatcha , Rajendiran Venugopal , Palaniandavar Mallayan , Krishnamurthy Hanumanthappa , Alshatwi Ali Abdullah , Akbarsha Mohammad Abdulkader
Published: October 2020

This research was aimed at finding the cytotoxic potential of the mixed ligand copper(II) complex [Cu(tdp)(phen)](ClO4)—where H(tdp) is the tetradentate ligand 2-[(2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-ethylimino)methyl]phenol, and phen is 1,10-phenanthroline—to two genotypically different breast cancer cells, MCF-7 (p53+ and ER+) and MDA-MB-231 (p53- and ER-). The complex has been already shown to be cytotoxic to ME180 cervical carcinoma cells. The special focus in this study was the induction of cell death by apoptosis and necrosis, and its link with ROS. The treatment brought about nuclear fragmentation, phosphatidylserine externalization, disruption of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 phase, and increase of ROS generation, followed by apoptotic death of cells during early hours and a late onset of necrosis in the cells surviving the apoptosis. The efficacy of the complex against genotypically different breast cancer cells is attributed to a strong association through p53-mitochondrial redox—cell cycle junction. The ADMET properties and docking of the complex at the active site of Top1 are desirable attributes of a lead molecule for development into a therapeutic. Thus, it is shown that the copper(II)–phenolate complex[Cu(tdp)(phen)]+ offers potential to be developed into a therapeutic for breast cancers in general and ER-negative ones in particular.
Putative Mechanisms Responsible for the Antihyperglycemic Action of Lactobacillus paracasei HII01 in Experimental Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Toejing Parichart , Khat-Udomkiri Nuntawat , Intakhad Jannarong , Sirilun Sasithorn , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat , Lailerd Narissara
Published: October 2020

Despite the updated knowledge of the impact of gut dysbiosis on diabetes, investigations into the beneficial effects of individual bacteria are still required. This study evaluates the antihyperglycemic efficacy of Lactobacillus paracasei HII01 and its possible mechanisms in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats were assigned to receive vehicle, L. paracasei HII01 (108 CFU/day), metformin 30 (mg/kg) or a combination of L. paracasei HII01 and metformin. Normal rats given vehicle and L. paracasei HII01 were included. Metabolic parameters, including in vitro hemi-diaphragm glucose uptake, skeletal insulin-signaling proteins, plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS), gut permeability, composition of gut microbiota and its metabolites, as well as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), were assessed after 12 weeks of experiment. The results clearly demonstrated that L. paracasei HII01 improved glycemic parameters, glucose uptake, insulin-signaling proteins including pAktSer473, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPKThr172), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-kB) in diabetic rats. Modulation of gut microbiota was found together with improvement in leaky gut, endotoxemia and SCFAs in diabetic rats administered L. paracasei HII01. In conclusion, L. paracasei HII01 alleviated hyperglycemia in diabetic rats primarily by modulating gut microbiota along with lessening leaky gut, leading to improvement in endotoxemia and inflammation-disturbed insulin signaling, which was mediated partly by PI3K/Akt signaling and AMPK activation.
Clinical Utility of LCT Genotyping in Children with Suspected Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder
Authors: Couce María L. , Sánchez-Pintos Paula , González-Vioque Emiliano , Leis Rosaura
Published: October 2020

Genetic testing is a good predictor of lactase persistence (LP) in specific populations but its clinical utility in children is less clear. We assessed the role of lactose malabsorption in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in children and the correlation between the lactase non-persistence (LNP) genotype and phenotype, based on exhaled hydrogen and gastrointestinal symptoms, during a hydrogen breath test (HBT). We also evaluate dairy consumption in this sample. We conducted a 10-year cross-sectional study in a cohort of 493 children with suspected FGID defined by Roma IV criteria. Distribution of the C/T-13910 genotype was as follows: CC, 46.0%; TT, 14.4% (LP allele frequency, 34.1%). The phenotype frequencies of lactose malabsorption and intolerance were 36.3% and 41.5%, respectively. We observed a strong correlation between genotype and both lactose malabsorption (Cramér’s V, 0.28) and intolerance (Cramér’s V, 0.54). The frequency of the LNP genotype (p = 0.002) and of malabsorption and intolerance increased with age (p = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). In 61% of children, evaluated dairy consumption was less than recommended. No association was observed between dairy intake and diagnosis. In conclusion, we found a significant correlation between genotype and phenotype, greater in older children, suggesting that the clinical value of genetic testing increases with age.
Efficacy of Two Antibiotic-Extender Combinations on Mycoplasma bovis in Bovine Semen Production
Authors: Pohjanvirta Tarja , Vähänikkilä Nella , Simonen Henri , Pelkonen Sinikka , Autio Tiina
Published: October 2020

Mycoplasma bovis is an important bovine pathogen. Artificial insemination (AI) using contaminated semen can introduce the agent into a naïve herd. Antibiotics, most often gentamycin, tylosin, lincomycin, spectinomycin (GTLS) combination are added to semen extender to prevent transmission of pathogenic bacteria and mycoplasmas. In a commercial AI straw production system with industrial scale procedures, we analyzed the mycoplasmacidal efficacy of GTLS and ofloxacin on M. bovis ATCC and wild type strain isolated from commercial AI straws. The strains were spiked at two concentrations (106 and 103 CFU/mL) into semen. Viable M. bovis in frozen semen straws was detected by enrichment culture and real-time PCR. We also compared different protocols to extract M. bovis DNA from spiked semen. None of the antibiotic protocols had any effect on the viability of either of the M. bovis strains at high spiking concentration. At low concentration, the wild type was inhibited by all other protocols, except low GTLS, whereas the ATCC strain was inhibited only by high GTLS. The InstaGene™ matrix was the most effective method to extract M. bovis DNA from semen. When there is a low M. bovis contamination level in semen, GTLS used at high concentrations, in accordance with Certified Semen Services requirements, is more efficient than GTLS used at concentrations stated in the OIE Terrestrial Code.
Penetration into Cancer Cells via Clathrin-Dependent Mechanism Allows L-Asparaginase from Rhodospirillum rubrum to Inhibit Telomerase
Authors: Plyasova Anna , Pokrovskaya Marina , Lisitsyna Olga , Pokrovsky Vadim , Alexandrova Svetlana , Hilal Abdullah , Sokolov Nikolay , Zhdanov Dmitry
Published: October 2020

The anticancer effect of L-asparaginases (L-ASNases) is attributable to their ability to hydrolyze L-asparagine in the bloodstream and cancer cell microenvironment. Rhodospirillum rubrum (RrA) has dual mechanism of action and plays a role in the suppression of telomerase activity. The aim of this work was to investigate the possible mechanism of RrA penetration into human cancer cells. Labeling of widely used L-ASNases by fluorescein isothiocyanate followed by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy demonstrated that only RrA can interact with cell membranes. The screening of inhibitors of receptor-mediated endocytosis demonstrated the involvement of clathrin receptors in RrA penetration into cells. Confocal microscopy confirmed the cytoplasmic and nuclear localization of RrA in human breast cancer SKBR3 cells. Two predicted nuclear localization motifs allow RrA to penetrate into the cell nucleus and inhibit telomerase. Chromatin relaxation promoted by different agents can increase the ability of RrA to suppress the expression of telomerase main catalytic subunit. Our study demonstrated for the first time the ability of RrA to penetrate into human cancer cells and the involvement of clathrin receptors in this process.
Kinin B2 Receptor Activation Prevents the Evolution of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathological Characteristics in a Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Nunes Marielza Andrade , Toricelli Mariana , Schöwe Natalia Mendes , Malerba Helena Nascimento , Dong-Creste Karis Ester , Farah Daniela Moura Azevedo Tuma , De Angelis Katia , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Gobeil Fernand , Araujo Viel Tânia , Buck Hudson Sousa
Published: October 2020

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is mainly characterized by remarkable neurodegeneration in brain areas related to memory formation. This progressive neurodegeneration causes cognitive impairment, changes in behavior, functional disability, and even death. Our group has demonstrated changes in the kallikrein–kinin system (KKS) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) experimental models, but there is a lack of evidence about the role of the KKS in Alzheimer’s disease. Aim: In order to answer this question, we evaluated the potential of the kinin B2 receptors (BKB2R) to modify AD characteristics, particularly memory impairment, neurodegeneration, and Aβ peptide deposition. Methods: To assess the effects of B2, we used transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mice treated with B2 receptor (B2R) agonists and antagonists, and performed behavioral and biochemical tests. In addition, we performed organotypic hippocampal culture of wild-type (WT) and transgenic (TG) animals, where the density of cytokines, neurotrophin BDNF, activated astrocyte marker S100B, and cell death were analyzed after treatments. Results: Treatment with the B2R agonist preserved the spatial memory of transgenic mice and decreased amyloid plaque deposition. In organotypic hippocampal culture, treatment with B2R agonist decreased cell death, neuroinflammation, and S100B levels, and increased BDNF release. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the kallikrein–kinin system plays a beneficial role in Alzheimer’s disease through B2R activation. The use of B2R agonists could, therefore, be a possible therapeutic option for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Preparation of Co-Amorphous Systems by Freeze-Drying
Authors: Wostry Melvin , Plappert Hanna , Grohganz Holger
Published: October 2020

Freeze-drying was evaluated as a production technique for co-amorphous systems of a poorly water-soluble drug. Naproxen was freeze-dried together with arginine and lysine as co-former. To increase the solubility of naproxen in the starting solution, the applicability of five surfactants was investigated, namely sodium dodecyl sulfate, pluronic F-127, polyoxyethylene (40) stearate, tween 20 and TPGS 1000. The influence of the surfactant type, surfactant concentration and total solid content to be freeze-dried on the solid state of the sample was investigated. X-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry showed that the majority of systems formed co-amorphous one-phase systems. However, at higher surfactant concentrations, and depending on the surfactant type, surfactant reflections were observed in the XRPD analysis upon production. Crystallization of both naproxen and amino acid occurred from some combinations under storage. In conclusion, freeze-drying was shown to be a feasible technique for the production of a selection of co-amorphous drug–amino acid formulations.
Coated High-Refractive-Index Barium Titanate Glass Microspheres for Optically Trapped Microsphere Super-Resolution Microscopy: A Simulation Study
Authors: Liu Xi , Hu Song , Tang Yan
Published: October 2020

As water is normally used as the immersion medium in optically trapped microsphere microscopy, the high-refractive-index barium titanate glass (BTG) microsphere shows a better imaging performance than the low-index polystyrene (PS) or melamine formaldehyde (MF) microsphere, but it is difficult to be trapped by single-beam optical trapping due to its overly high refractive index. In this study, coated BTG microspheres with a PS coating have been computationally explored for the combination of optical trapping with microsphere-assisted microscopy. The PS coating thickness affects both the optical trapping efficiency and photonic nanojet (PNJ) property of the coated BTG sphere. Compared to the uncoated BTG sphere, the coated BTG sphere with a proper PS coating thickness has a highly improved trapping efficiency which enables single-beam optical trapping, and a better PNJ with a higher optical intensity Imax and a narrower full width at half maximum (FWHM) corresponding to better imaging performance. These coated BTG spheres also have an advantage in trapping efficiency and imaging performance over conventional PS and MF spheres. The coated BTG microsphere is highly desirable for optically trapped microsphere super-resolution microscopy and potentially beneficial to other research areas, such as nanoparticle detection.
Design and Fabrication of a Holographic Radial Polarization Converter
Authors: Chen Jing-Heng , Tseng Hung-Lung , Hsu Fan-Hsi , Han Chien-Yuan , Chen Kun-Huang , Yeh Chien-Hung , Hsu Ken-Yuh
Published: October 2020

Radial polarization converters can convert an incident light into a radially polarized light, which is beneficial in a variety of applications. In this paper, a new design of holographic radial polarization converter is proposed which consists of eight space-variant polarization-selective volume hologram gratings. According to the coupled wave theory, a feasible design of the polarization-selective volume hologram gratings was described. The prism-hologram-prism sandwiched recording method was adopted for the recording. The s- and p-polarization diffraction efficiencies of the fabricated polarization-selective volume hologram gratings at 443.29 nm are 90.83% and 22.09%, respectively. The operation bandwidth is about 4.42 nm. A prototype of holographic radial polarization converter was successfully assembled and tested. Due to the introduction of volume hologram gratings, this design should have the advantages of high diffraction efficiency, narrow band, compactness, and planar configuration, meaning it is especially suitable for low-cost mass production and has high application potential in related fields.
Electron Beam Transport in Plasma-Accelerator-Driven Free-Electron Lasers in the Presence of Coherent Synchrotron Radiation and Microbunching Instability
Authors: Di Mitri Simone , Perosa Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Laser- and beam-driven plasma accelerators promise electron beam brightness at the exit of plasma cells suitable for X-ray free-electron lasers. Beam transport from the accelerator to the undulator may include a multi-bend, energy-dispersive switchyard, in which energy collimators can be installed to protect the undulator or to serve multiple photon beamlines. Coherent synchrotron radiation and microbunching instability in the switchyard can seriously degrade the brightness of the accelerated beam, reducing the lasing efficiency. We present a semi-analytical analysis of those collective effects for beam parameters expected at the exit of state-of-the-art plasma accelerators. Prescriptions for the linear optics design used to minimize transverse and longitudinal beam instability are discussed.
The Formulations of Classical Mechanics with Foucault’s Pendulum
Authors: Boulanger Nicolas , Buisseret Fabien
Published: October 2020

Since the pioneering works of Newton (1643–1727), mechanics has been constantly reinventing itself: reformulated in particular by Lagrange (1736–1813) then Hamilton (1805–1865), it now offers powerful conceptual and mathematical tools for the exploration of dynamical systems, essentially via the action-angle variables formulation and more generally through the theory of canonical transformations. We propose to the (graduate) reader an overview of these different formulations through the well-known example of Foucault’s pendulum, a device created by Foucault (1819–1868) and first installed in the Panthéon (Paris, France) in 1851 to display the Earth’s rotation. The apparent simplicity of Foucault’s pendulum is indeed an open door to the most contemporary ramifications of classical mechanics. We stress that adopting the formalism of action-angle variables is not necessary to understand the dynamics of Foucault’s pendulum. The latter is simply taken as well-known and simple dynamical system used to exemplify and illustrate modern concepts that are crucial in order to understand more complicated dynamical systems. The Foucault’s pendulum first installed in 2005 in the collegiate church of Sainte-Waudru (Mons, Belgium) will allow us to numerically estimate the different quantities introduced.
Born to Eat Wild: An Integrated Conservation Approach to Secure Wild Food Plants for Food Security and Nutrition
Authors: Borelli Teresa , Hunter Danny , Powell Bronwen , Ulian Tiziana , Mattana Efisio , Termote Céline , Pawera Lukas , Beltrame Daniela , Penafiel Daniela , Tan Ayfer , Taylor Mary , Engels Johannes
Published: October 2020

Overlooked in national reports and in conservation programs, wild food plants (WFPs) have been a vital component of food and nutrition security for centuries. Recently, several countries have reported on the widespread and regular consumption of WFPs, particularly by rural and indigenous communities but also in urban contexts. They are reported as critical for livelihood resilience and for providing essential micronutrients to people enduring food shortages or other emergency situations. However, threats derived from changes in land use and climate, overexploitation and urbanization are reducing the availability of these biological resources in the wild and contributing to the loss of traditional knowledge associated with their use. Meanwhile, few policy measures are in place explicitly targeting their conservation and sustainable use. This can be partially attributed to a lack of scientific evidence and awareness among policymakers and relevant stakeholders of the untapped potential of WFPs, accompanied by market and non-market barriers limiting their use. This paper reviews recent efforts being undertaken in several countries to build evidence of the importance of WFPs, while providing examples of cross-sectoral cooperation and multi-stakeholder approaches that are contributing to advance their conservation and sustainable use. An integrated conservation approach is proposed contributing to secure their availability for future generations.
Mechanical Joining of Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites to Metals—A Review. Part I: Bolted Joining
Authors: Galińska Anna
Published: October 2020

As the fibre reinforced plastic composites gain larger and larger share in industry, the problem of joining them with metal elements becomes significant. The current paper is the first part of the literature review, which gathers and evaluates knowledge about methods suitable for mechanical joining of composite and metal elements. This paper concerns bolted joining, because this method of mechanical joining is widely used for joining composite materials. The paper describes failure modes of bolted joints in composite materials, the influence of the bolt clamping torque, the clearance between the bolt and the hole and aging on the performance of the joint, drilling techniques used in composite materials in order to minimize damages, different fastener types, inspection techniques, and finally, the techniques that have been developed in order to improve the strength of the bolted joints in composites. Since the hole drilled in a composite material in order to perform bolted joining is a weak point of the structure, those techniques: bonded inserts, titanium foil internal inserts, fibre steering, additional reinforcement, and moulded holes, mainly aim to improve the strength of the hole in the composite. The techniques have been discussed in details and compared with each other in the summary section.
Synthesis, Colloidal Characterization and Targetability of Phenylboronic Acid Functionalized α-Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol Succinate in Cancer Cells
Authors: Tiwari Sanjay , Sarolia Jayant , Kansara Vrushti , Chudasama Nishith A. , Prasad Kamalesh , Ray Debes , Aswal Vinod K , Bahadur Pratap
Published: October 2020

This study reports targetable micelles developed after covalent functionalization of α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) with amino phenylboronic acid (APBA). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopic results showed successful attachment of APBA to the hydrophilic segment of TPGS. Dynamic light scattering and small-angle neutron scattering studies revealed that the conjugate self-assembled in water to produce spherical core-shell micelles (14–20 nm) which remained stable against temperature (ca. 25–45 °C) and pH changes. The micelles could solubilize a high payload of paclitaxel (PLX) without exhibiting changes in the average size. However, at the saturation solubility, drug molecules migrated from the core to the shell region and engaged with APBA groups via π–π stacking interaction. Confocal microscopy and cell sorting analyses verified the effective translocation ability of TPGS-APBA micelles in sialic acid (SA) expressing MDA-MB-453 cells. At equivalent PLX dose, TPGS-APBA micelles showed about a twofold improvement in apoptotic death among the cells exposed for 2 h. Our findings indicate that the attachment of APBA can be a potential strategy for improving the intra-cellular localization of carriers among cancer cells expressing SA residues.
Polysaccharide-Based In Situ Self-Healing Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Maiz-Fernández Sheila , Pérez-Álvarez Leyre , Ruiz-Rubio Leire , Vilas-Vilela Jose Luis , Lanceros-Mendez Senentxu
Published: October 2020

In situ hydrogels have attracted increasing interest in recent years due to the need to develop effective and practical implantable platforms. Traditional hydrogels require surgical interventions to be implanted and are far from providing personalized medicine applications. However, in situ hydrogels offer a wide variety of advantages, such as a non-invasive nature due to their localized action or the ability to perfectly adapt to the place to be replaced regardless the size, shape or irregularities. In recent years, research has particularly focused on in situ hydrogels based on natural polysaccharides due to their promising properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and their ability to self-repair. This last property inspired in nature gives them the possibility of maintaining their integrity even after damage, owing to specific physical interactions or dynamic covalent bonds that provide reversible linkages. In this review, the different self-healing mechanisms, as well as the latest research on in situ self-healing hydrogels, is presented, together with the potential applications of these materials in tissue regeneration.