bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet-Released Growth Factors and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Induce Expression of Factors Involved in Extracellular Matrix Organization in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Bayer Andreas , Wijaya Bernard , Möbus Lena , Rademacher Franziska , Rodewald Meno , Tohidnezhad Mersedeh , Pufe Thomas , Drücke Daniel , Gläser Regine , Harder Jürgen
Published: June 2020

Platelet-released growth factor (PRGF) is a thrombocyte concentrate lysate which, like its clinically equivalent variations (e.g., Vivostat PRF® (platelet-rich fibrin)), is known to support the healing of chronic and hard-to-heal wounds. However, studies on the effect of PRGF on keratinocytes remain scarce. This study aims to identify genes in keratinocytes that are significantly influenced by PRGF. Therefore, we performed a whole transcriptome and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of PRGF-stimulated human primary keratinocytes. This revealed an increased expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis confirmed the PRGF-mediated induction of selected ECM-related factors such as transforming growth factor beta-induced protein, fibronectin 1, matrix metalloproteinase-9, transglutaminase 2, fermitin family member 1, collagen type I alpha 1 and collagen type XXII alpha 1. PRGF-induced expression of the above factors was influenced by blockade of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor playing a crucial role in wound healing. A differential induction of the investigated factors was also detected in skin explants exposed to PRGF and in experimentally generated in vivo wounds treated with Vivostat PRF®. Together, our study indicates that the induction of ECM-related factors may contribute to the beneficial wound-healing effects of PRGF-based formulations.
A Novel Sulfonamide, 4-FS, Reduces Ethanol Drinking and Physical Withdrawal Associated With Ethanol Dependence
Authors: Sona Khan Muhammad , Trenet Wulfran , Xing Nancy , Sibley Britta , Abbas Muzaffar , al-Rashida Mariya , Rauf Khalid , Mandyam Chitra D.
Published: June 2020

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is abundant in glial cells in the brain and CA type II isoform (CA II) activity in the hippocampus plays an important role in buffering extracellular pH transients produced by neural activity. Chronic ethanol exposure results in respiratory and metabolic acidosis, producing shifts in extracellular pH in the brain and body. These neurophysiological changes by ethanol are hypothesized to contribute to the continued drinking behavior and physical withdrawal behavior in subjects consuming ethanol chronically. We explored whether chronic ethanol self-administration (ethanol drinking, 10% v/v; ED) without or under the influence of chronic intermittent ethanol vapor (CIE-ED) experience alters the expression of CA II in the hippocampus. Postmortem hippocampal tissue analyses demonstrated that CA II levels were enhanced in the hilus region of the hippocampus in ED and CIE-ED rats. We used a novel molecule—4-fluoro-N-(4-sulfamoylphenyl) benzenesulfonamide (4-FS)—a selective CA II inhibitor, to determine whether CA II plays a role in ethanol self-administration in ED and CIE-ED rats and physical withdrawal behavior in CIE-ED rats. 4-FS (20 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced ethanol self-administration in ED rats and physical withdrawal behavior in CIE-ED rats. Postmortem hippocampal tissue analyses demonstrated that 4-FS reduced CA II expression in ED and CIE-ED rats to control levels. In parallel, 4-FS enhanced GABAA receptor expression, reduced ratio of glutamatergic GluN2A/2B receptors and enhanced the expression of Fos, a marker of neuronal activation in the ventral hippocampus in ED rats. These findings suggest that 4-FS enhanced GABAergic transmission and increased activity of neurons of inhibitory phenotypes. Taken together, these findings support the role of CA II in assisting with negative affective behaviors associated with moderate to severe alcohol use disorders (AUD) and that CA II inhibitors are a potential therapeutic target to reduce continued drinking and somatic withdrawal symptoms associated with moderate to severe AUD.
Immuno-Metabolism and Microenvironment in Cancer: Key Players for Immunotherapy
Authors: Giannone Gaia , Ghisoni Eleonora , Genta Sofia , Scotto Giulia , Tuninetti Valentina , Turinetto Margherita , Valabrega Giorgio
Published: June 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed therapeutic algorithms in several malignancies, although intrinsic and secondary resistance is still an issue. In this context, the dysregulation of immuno-metabolism plays a leading role both in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and at the host level. In this review, we summarize the most important immune-metabolic factors and how they could be exploited therapeutically. At the cellular level, an increased concentration of extracellular adenosine as well as the depletion of tryptophan and uncontrolled activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway induces an immune-tolerant TME, reducing the response to ICIs. Moreover, aberrant angiogenesis induces a hypoxic environment by recruiting VEGF, Treg cells and immune-suppressive tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). On the other hand, factors such as gender and body mass index seem to affect the response to ICIs, while the microbiome composition (and its alterations) modulates both the response and the development of immune-related adverse events. Exploiting these complex mechanisms is the next goal in immunotherapy. The most successful strategy to date has been the combination of antiangiogenic drugs and ICIs, which prolonged the survival of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while results from tryptophan pathway inhibition studies are inconclusive. New exciting strategies include targeting the adenosine pathway, TAMs and the microbiota with fecal microbiome transplantation.
A New Selective PPARγ Modulator Inhibits Triglycerides Accumulation during Murine Adipocytes’ and Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation
Authors: Al Haj Ghina , Rey Federica , Giallongo Toniella , Colli Mattia , Marzani Barbara , Giuliani Giammaria , Gorio Alfredo , Zuccotti Gian Vicenzo , Di Giulio Anna Maria , Carelli Stephana
Published: June 2020

Understanding the molecular basis of adipogenesis is vital to identify new therapeutic targets to improve anti-obesity drugs. The adipogenic process could be a new target in the management of this disease. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of GMG-43AC, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) modulator, during adipose differentiation of murine pre-adipocytes and human Adipose Derived Stem Cells (hADSCs). We differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and primary hADSCs in the presence of various doses of GMG-43AC and evaluated the differentiation efficiency measuring lipid accumulation, the expression of specific differentiation markers and the quantification of accumulated triglycerides. The treatment with GMG-43AC is not toxic as shown by cell viability assessments after the treatments. Our findings demonstrate the inhibition of lipid accumulation and the significant decrease in the expression of adipocyte-specific genes, such as PPARγ, FABP-4, and leptin. This effect was long lasting, as the removal of GMG-43AC from culture medium did not allow the restoration of adipogenic process. The above actions were confirmed in hADSCs exposed to adipogenic stimuli. Together, these results indicate that GMG-43AC efficiently inhibits adipocytes differentiation in murine and human cells, suggesting its possible function in the reversal of adipogenesis and modulation of lipolysis.
Negative Modulation of TRPM8 Channel Function by Protein Kinase C in Trigeminal Cold Thermoreceptor Neurons
Authors: Rivera Bastián , Campos Matías , Orio Patricio , Madrid Rodolfo , Pertusa María
Published: June 2020

TRPM8 is the main molecular entity responsible for cold sensing. This polymodal ion channel is activated by cold, cooling compounds such as menthol, voltage, and rises in osmolality. In corneal cold thermoreceptor neurons (CTNs), TRPM8 expression determines not only their sensitivity to cold, but also their role as neural detectors of ocular surface wetness. Several reports suggest that Protein Kinase C (PKC) activation impacts on TRPM8 function; however, the molecular bases of this functional modulation are still poorly understood. We explored PKC-dependent regulation of TRPM8 using Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate to activate this kinase. Consistently, recombinant TRPM8 channels, cultured trigeminal neurons, and free nerve endings of corneal CTNs revealed a robust reduction of TRPM8-dependent responses under PKC activation. In corneal CTNs, PKC activation decreased ongoing activity, a key parameter in the role of TRPM8-expressing neurons as humidity detectors, and also the maximal cold-evoked response, which were validated by mathematical modeling. Biophysical analysis indicated that PKC-dependent downregulation of TRPM8 is mainly due to a decreased maximal conductance value, and complementary noise analysis revealed a reduced number of functional channels at the cell surface, providing important clues to understanding the molecular mechanisms of how PKC activity modulates TRPM8 channels in CTNs.
Molecular Mechanisms of Muscle Weakness Associated with E173A Mutation in Tpm3.12. Troponin Ca2+ Sensitivity Inhibitor W7 Can Reduce the Damaging Effect of This Mutation
Authors: Borovikov Yurii S. , Simonyan Armen O. , Avrova Stanislava V. , Sirenko Vladimir V. , Redwood Charles S. , Karpicheva Olga E.
Published: June 2020

Substitution of Ala for Glu residue in position 173 of γ-tropomyosin (Tpm3.12) is associated with muscle weakness. Here we observe that this mutation increases myofilament Ca2+-sensitivity and inhibits in vitro actin-activated ATPase activity of myosin subfragment-1 at high Ca2+. In order to determine the critical conformational changes in myosin, actin and tropomyosin caused by the mutation, we used the technique of polarized fluorimetry. It was found that this mutation changes the spatial arrangement of actin monomers and myosin heads, and the position of the mutant tropomyosin on the thin filaments in muscle fibres at various mimicked stages of the ATPase cycle. At low Ca2+ the E173A mutant tropomyosin shifts towards the inner domains of actin at all stages of the cycle, and this is accompanied by an increase in the number of switched-on actin monomers and myosin heads strongly bound to F-actin even at relaxation. Contrarily, at high Ca2+ the amount of the strongly bound myosin heads slightly decreases. These changes in the balance of the strongly bound myosin heads in the ATPase cycle may underlie the occurrence of muscle weakness. W7, an inhibitor of troponin Ca2+-sensitivity, restores the increase in the number of myosin heads strongly bound to F-actin at high Ca2+ and stops their strong binding at relaxation, suggesting the possibility of using Ca2+-desensitizers to reduce the damaging effect of the E173A mutation on muscle fibre contractility.
Natural Mating Differentially Triggers Expression of Glucocorticoid Receptor (NR3C1)-Related Genes in the Preovulatory Porcine Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Ruiz-Conca Mateo , Gardela Jaume , Martínez Cristina Alicia , Wright Dominic , López-Bejar Manel , Rodríguez-Martínez Heriberto , Álvarez-Rodríguez Manuel
Published: June 2020

Mating initiates dynamic modifications of gene transcription in the female reproductive tract, preparing the female for fertilization and pregnancy. Glucocorticoid signaling is essential for the homeostasis of mammalian physiological functions. This complex glucocorticoid regulation is mediated through the glucocorticoid receptor, also known as nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1/GR) and related genes, like 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD11Bs) and the FK506-binding immunophilins, FKBP5 and FKBP4. This study tested the transcriptome changes in NR3C1/GR regulation in response to natural mating and/or cervical deposition of the sperm-peak ejaculate fraction collected using the gloved-hand method (semen or only its seminal plasma), in the preovulatory pig reproductive tract (cervix to infundibulum, 24 h after mating/insemination/infusion treatments). Porcine cDNA microarrays revealed 22 NR3C1-related transcripts, and changes in gene expression were triggered by all treatments, with natural mating showing the largest differences, including NR3C1, FKBP5, FKBP4, hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (HSD11B1, HSD11B2), and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (STAT5A). Our data suggest that natural mating induces expression changes that might promote a reduction of the cortisol action in the oviductal sperm reservoir. Together with the STAT-mediated downregulation of cytokine immune actions, this reduction may prevent harmful effects by promoting tolerance towards the spermatozoa stored in the oviduct and perhaps elicit spermatozoa activation and detachment after ovulation.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Breast Cancer According to the Infiltrating Immune Cell Subtypes
Authors: Kim Hye Min , Koo Ja Seung
Published: June 2020

The clinical significance of immune cell subtypes in breast cancer remains poorly understood. To identify tumor-infiltrating immune cell subtypes in breast cancer and investigate their implications, tissue microarrays were constructed using 334 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma (luminal A type: 162 (48.5%), luminal B type: 96 (28.7%), HER-2 type: 21 (6.3%), and triple negative breast cancer: 55 (16.5%)). Hormone receptors (ER, PR, and HER-2), Ki-67, and immune cell subtype-related proteins (STAT4, STAT6, FOXP3, CD8, CD68, and CD163) were assessed immunohistochemically. The proportion of highly expressed STAT6, FOXP3, CD8, CD68, and CD163 proteins was found to be lowest in luminal A type but highest in the HER-2 type. Additionally, high-level STAT6, FOXP3, CD68, and CD163 protein expression was associated with higher histologic grade. ER negativity was associated with high STAT6, FOXP3, and CD163 expression levels, whereas PR negativity and high Ki-67 labeling index were associated with high CD163 expression. Univariate (p = 0.003) and multivariate Cox (hazard ratio: 2.435, 95% CI: 1.110-5.344, p = 0.049) analyses showed that high CD8 expression is an independent factor associated with shorter disease-free survival. Immune cell subtype-related protein expression is dependent on breast cancer molecular subtypes, and CD8 expression is associated with patient prognosis.
Flutamide Alters the Expression of Chemerin, Apelin, and Vaspin and Their Respective Receptors in the Testes of Adult Rats
Authors: Brzoskwinia Malgorzata , Pardyak Laura , Rak Agnieszka , Kaminska Alicja , Hejmej Anna , Marek Sylwia , Kotula-Balak Malgorzata , Bilinska Barbara
Published: June 2020

Adipokines influence energy metabolism and have effects on male reproduction, including spermatogenesis and/or Sertoli cell maturation; however, the relationship between these active proteins and androgens in testicular cells is limited. Here, we studied the impact of short-term exposure to flutamide (an anti-androgen that blocks androgen receptors) on the expression of chemerin, apelin, vaspin and their receptors (CCRL2, CMKLR1, GPR1, APLNR, GRP78, respectively) in adult rat testes. Moreover, the levels of expression of lipid metabolism-modulating proteins (PLIN1, perilipin1; TSPO, translocator protein) and intercellular adherens junction proteins (nectin-2 and afadin) were determined in testicular cells. Plasma levels of adipokines, testosterone and cholesterol were also evaluated. Gene expression techniques used included the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The androgen-mediated effects observed post-flutamide treatment were found at the gonadal level as chemerin, apelin, and vaspin gene expression alterations at mRNA and protein levels were detected, whereas the cellular targets for these adipokines were recognised by localisation of respective receptors in testicular cells. Plasma concentrations of all adipokines were unchanged, whereas plasma cholesterol content and testosterone level increased after flutamide exposure. Differential distribution of adipokine receptors indicates potential para- or autocrine action of the adipokines within the rat testes. Additionally, changes in the expression of PLIN1 and TSPO, involved in the initial step of testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells, suggest that testicular cells represent a target of flutamide action. Increase in the gene expression of PLIN1 and TSPO and higher total plasma cholesterol content indicates enhanced availability of cholesterol in Leydig cells as a result of androgen-mediated effects of flutamide. Alterations in adherens junction protein expression in the testis confirm the flutamide efficacy in disruption of androgen signalling and presumably lead to impaired para- and autocrine communication, important for proper functioning of adipokines.
Heavy Tau Burden with Subtle Amyloid β Accumulation in the Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum in a Case of Familial Alzheimer’s Disease with APP Osaka Mutation
Authors: Shimada Hiroyuki , Minatani Shinobu , Takeuchi Jun , Takeda Akitoshi , Kawabe Joji , Wada Yasuhiro , Mawatari Aya , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Shimada Hitoshi , Higuchi Makoto , Suhara Tetsuya , Tomiyama Takami , Itoh Yoshiaki
Published: June 2020

We previously identified a novel mutation in amyloid precursor protein from a Japanese pedigree of familial Alzheimer’s disease, FAD (Osaka). Our previous positron emission tomography (PET) study revealed that amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation was negligible in two sister cases of this pedigree, indicating a possibility that this mutation induces dementia without forming senile plaques. To further explore the relationship between Aβ, tau and neurodegeneration, we performed tau and Aβ PET imaging in the proband of FAD (Osaka) and in patients with sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (SAD) and healthy controls (HCs). The FAD (Osaka) patient showed higher uptake of tau PET tracer in the frontal, lateral temporal, and parietal cortices, posterior cingulate gyrus and precuneus than the HCs (>2.5 SD) and in the lateral temporal and parietal cortices than the SAD patients (>2 SD). Most noticeably, heavy tau tracer accumulation in the cerebellum was found only in the FAD (Osaka) patient. Scatter plot analysis of the two tracers revealed that FAD (Osaka) exhibits a distinguishing pattern with a heavy tau burden and subtle Aβ accumulation in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. These observations support our hypothesis that Aβ can induce tau accumulation and neuronal degeneration without forming senile plaques.
Withaferin-A Can Be Used to Modulate the Keratin Network of Intermediate Filaments in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes
Authors: Keeling Michael C. , Gavara Núria
Published: June 2020

The mechanical state of cells is a critical part of their healthy functioning and it is controlled primarily by cytoskeletal networks (actin, microtubules and intermediate filaments). Drug-based strategies targeting the assembly of a given cytoskeletal network are often used to pinpoint their role in cellular function. Unlike actin and microtubules, there has been limited interest in the role of intermediate filaments, and fewer drugs have thus been identified and characterised as modulators of its assembly. Here, we evaluate whether Withaferin-A (WFA), an established disruptor of vimentin filaments, can also be used to modulate keratin filament assembly. Our results show that in keratinocytes, which are keratin-rich but vimentin-absent, Withaferin-A disrupts keratin filaments. Importantly, the dosages required are similar to those previously reported to disrupt vimentin in other cell types. Furthermore, Withaferin-A-induced keratin disassembly is accompanied by changes in cell stiffness and migration. Therefore, we propose that WFA can be repurposed as a useful drug to disrupt the keratin cytoskeleton in epithelial cells.
YBX1 Indirectly Targets Heterochromatin-Repressed Inflammatory Response-Related Apoptosis Genes through Regulating CBX5 mRNA
Authors: Kloetgen Andreas , Duggimpudi Sujitha , Schuschel Konstantin , Hezaveh Kebria , Picard Daniel , Schaal Heiner , Remke Marc , Klusmann Jan-Henning , Borkhardt Arndt , McHardy Alice C. , Hoell Jessica I.
Published: June 2020

Medulloblastomas arise from undifferentiated precursor cells in the cerebellum and account for about 20% of all solid brain tumors during childhood; standard therapies include radiation and chemotherapy, which oftentimes come with severe impairment of the cognitive development of the young patients. Here, we show that the posttranscriptional regulator Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1), a DNA- and RNA-binding protein, acts as an oncogene in medulloblastomas by regulating cellular survival and apoptosis. We observed different cellular responses upon YBX1 knockdown in several medulloblastoma cell lines, with significantly altered transcription and subsequent apoptosis rates. Mechanistically, PAR-CLIP for YBX1 and integration with RNA-Seq data uncovered direct posttranscriptional control of the heterochromatin-associated gene CBX5; upon YBX1 knockdown and subsequent CBX5 mRNA instability, heterochromatin-regulated genes involved in inflammatory response, apoptosis and death receptor signaling were de-repressed. Thus, YBX1 acts as an oncogene in medulloblastoma through indirect transcriptional regulation of inflammatory genes regulating apoptosis and represents a promising novel therapeutic target in this tumor entity.
Maackiain Ameliorates 6-Hydroxydopamine and SNCA Pathologies by Modulating the PINK1/Parkin Pathway in Models of Parkinson’s Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans and the SH-SY5Y Cell Line
Authors: Tsai Rong-Tzong , Tsai Chia-Wen , Liu Shih-Ping , Gao Jia-Xin , Kuo Yun-Hua , Chao Pei-Min , Hung Huey-Shan , Shyu Woei-Cherng , Lin Shinn-Zong , Fu Ru-Huei
Published: June 2020

The movement disorder Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most frequently diagnosed neurodegenerative disease, and is associated with aging, the environment, and genetic factors. The intracellular aggregation of α-synuclein and the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta are the pathological hallmark of PD. At present, there is no successful treatment for PD. Maackiain (MK) is a flavonoid extracted from dried roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton. MK has emerged as a novel agent for PD treatment that acts by inhibiting monoamine oxidase B. In this study, we assessed the neuroprotective potential of MK in Caenorhabditis elegans and investigated possible mechanism of this neuroprotection in the human SH-SY5Y cell line. We found that MK significantly reduced dopaminergic neuron damage in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-exposed worms of the BZ555 strain, with corresponding improvements in food-sensing behavior and life-span. In transgenic worms of strain NL5901 treated with 0.25 mM MK, the accumulation of α-synuclein was diminished by 27% (p < 0.01) compared with that in untreated worms. Moreover, in worms and the SH-SY5Y cell line, we confirmed that the mechanism of MK-mediated protection against PD pathology may include blocking apoptosis, enhancing the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and augmenting autophagy by increasing PINK1/parkin expression. The use of small interfering RNA to downregulate parkin expression in vivo and in vitro could reverse the benefits of MK in PD models. MK may have considerable therapeutic applications in PD.
Numerical Prediction of Welding Distortion Considering Gravity Force on General Ship Grillage Structure by Elastic Finite Element Method Using Inherent Strain
Authors: Woo Donghan , Kitamura Mitsuru
Published: June 2020

The accurate numerical prediction of welding deformation is important to improve the structural safety of ships and offshore structures in heavy industries. The precise reflection of the real working condition in the numerical prediction is an essential factor to improve its result. In the present study, the effect of the gravity force on numerical prediction of the optimal welding sequence of a general ship grillage structure was validated with the introduction of a new boundary condition in which the structure is placed over rails. Additionally, the direction of the gravity force of welded structures could be changed at the final assembly process according to the production plan. The effect of the gravitational orientation on the final welding displacements was also investigated herein. The elastic finite element method using the inherent strain, interface element, and multipoint constraint function was introduced to analyze the welding deformation. This study validated the influence of the gravity force on the numerical prediction of welding displacements in a general ship grillage structure.
Numerical Prediction of the Vertical Responses of Planing Hulls in Regular Head Waves
Authors: Kahramanoğlu Emre , Çakıcı Ferdi , Doğrul Ali
Published: June 2020

The evaluation of the hydrodynamic performance of planing vessels has always been one of the most attractive study fields in the maritime agenda. Resistance and self-propulsion studies have been performed using experimental and numerical methods by researchers for a long time. As opposed to this, the seakeeping performance of planing hulls is assessed with 2D approximation methods, but limitedly, while the experimental campaign is not cost-effective for several reasons. With this motivation, pitch and heave transfer functions and accelerations were obtained for a monohedral hull and a warped hull using a state of art commercial Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver, in this study. Moreover, 2-DOF (degree of freedom) dynamic fluid–body interaction (DFBI) equations were solved in a coupled manner with an overset mesh algorithm, to find the instantaneous motion of the body. After verification, obtained numerical results at three different Froude numbers and a sufficiently large wave frequency range were compared with the experiments. The results showed that the employed RANS method offers a very accurate prediction of vertical motions and accelerations for planing hulls.
Multidata Study to Evaluate the Impact of Submarine Outfall in a Beach Sedimentary Dynamic: The Case of Samil Beach (Galicia, Spain)
Authors: Lersundi-Kanpistegi Aimar , Bernabeu Ana M. , Rey Daniel , Díaz Rafael
Published: June 2020

The Ria de Vigo (NW Iberian Peninsula) is one of the most impacted coastal areas of Galicia, due to demographic and industrial pressure. One of the main consequences of this pressure is the need to extend the current wastewater treatment plant of the city of Vigo (295,000 inhabitants). This extension includes a new submerged pipeline construction to discharge the treated water in the central channel of the Ria. The new planned pipeline must cross Samil Beach, the most important urban beach of the city. Based on a multitool strategy, this work characterizes the interactions between the new pipeline route alternatives and the sediment dynamics of Samil Beach. This approximation improves the reliability of the results in the subtidal area of the beach, where studies are scarce due to the complexity of the data acquisition. The present study is based on high resolution bathymetry data, seabed physical characterization, a granulometric study of the superficial sediment, and a numerical simulation of the tide, wave climate, and sediment transport in low and high energy conditions using open source Delft3D software. The results showed that the area of interest is a low energy area, which is significantly shielded from wave attack, where fine sand predominates. However, the field data indicated an interaction (accretion-erosion) in the submerged obstacles between 0 and 12 m deep. The model revealed that there is significant sediment movement above a 7.4 m isobath, and that the pipeline would not alter the general transport dynamics of the beach, but would interact in the shallowest section. The main conclusion of this work states that the future structure would not alter the global sediment dynamics of the beach. In addition, in order to guarantee the safety of the new pipeline, it should emerge above an 8 m isobath. The multiapproach methodology presented can be applied to other studies of the interaction between coastal structures and the environment.
What Drives Derivatives: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Sahoo Abhimanyu , Sahoo Seshadev
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the determinants for the use of derivatives by firms in the Indian market. Using a sample of 433 firms listed in the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India for the period 2013–2018, we find that firm size, debt to equity, turnover, price–earnings ratio and the magnitude of international transactions are significant influential drivers responsible for pushing the firm to use derivatives for risk management. The findings also document that the financial distress of the firm, which is one of the important reasons for the use of derivatives in advanced economies, happens to be insignificant when it comes to developing countries like India. Using logistic regression, it is observed that highly levered firms condense the use of derivatives as part of a financial risk management strategy, which contradicts existing literature. All other findings are generally consistent with the theory of derivatives as well as with international evidence.
Identification of Fracture Mechanic Properties of Concrete and Analysis of Shear Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Beams without Transverse Reinforcement
Authors: Sucharda Oldrich
Published: June 2020

The study of new and innovative quasi-brittle materials offers new possibilities for use in construction, but detailed knowledge of their behavior and mechanical properties is required. The use of new materials in the design solution of a structure is usually associated with numerical methods, which has a number of both advantages and disadvantages. Sophisticated numerical methods, without a sufficiently detailed input knowledge, can provide highly variable results with little informative value. The main goal of this article is to present the procedure for the identification of fracture mechanical parameters for a specific concrete with the use of developed inverse analysis combining multi-criteria decision analysis, stochastic modelling and nonlinear analysis. Subsequently, the identified mechanical parameters of concrete are used for the parametric study of shear resistance of structural beams without shear reinforcement, as an alternative or generalized approach to the study of damage to concrete and concrete structures. This research includes an experimental program using 24 reinforced concrete beams and a detailed determination of basic and specific mechanical properties during laboratory tests. The process of inverse analysis is illustrated in detail for the solved task. The use of nonlinear analysis for detailed failure modelling is based on a 3D computational model and a fracture plastic material model for concrete. Finally, the results of the experimental program and numerical modelling are discussed, leading to a number of conclusions.
Modified Starch as a Filter Controller in Water-Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Soto Diana , León Orietta , Urdaneta José , Muñoz-Bonilla Alexandra , Fernández-García Marta
Published: June 2020

Herein, the effectiveness of an itaconic acid (IA) graft copolymer on native corn starch (NCS) as a filter control agent in fresh water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) was evaluated. The copolymer (S-g-IA_APS) was synthesized by conventional radical dispersion polymerization using the redox initiation system (NH4)2S2O8/NaHSO3. The modification of the starches was verified by volumetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, three WBDFs were formulated in which only the added polymer (NCS, S-g-IA_APS, and a commercial starch (CPS)) was varied to control the fluid losses. The physico-chemical, rheological, and filtering properties of the formulated systems were evaluated in terms of density (ρ), pH, plastic viscosity (µp), apparent viscosity (µa), yield point (Yp), gel strength (Rg), and filtrated volume (VAPI). In order to evaluate the resistance to temperature and contaminants of the WBDFs, they were subjected to high pressure and high temperature filtering (VHPHT). The filter control agents were also subjected to aging and contamination with cement and salt. The S-g-IA_APS addition improved the filtering behavior at a high pressure and temperature by 38%.
In Vitro Simulation of Dental Implant Bridges Removal: Influence of Luting Agent and Abutments Geometry on Retrievability
Authors: Lugas Andrea T. , Terzini Mara , Zanetti Elisabetta M. , Schierano Gianmario , Manzella Carlo , Baldi Domenico , Bignardi Cristina , Audenino Alberto L.
Published: June 2020

Implant fixed dental prostheses are widely used for the treatment of edentulism, often preferred over the screw-retained ones. However, one of the main features of an implant-supported prosthesis is retrievability, which could be necessary in the case of implant complications. In this study, the retrievability of implant-fixed dental prostheses was investigated considering two of the main factors dental practitioners have to deal with: the abutments geometry and the luting agent. Impulsive forces were applied to dental bridge models to simulate crowns’ retrievability in clinical conditions. The number of impulses and the impulsive force delivered during each test were recorded and used as retrievability indexes. One-hundred-and-five tests were conducted on 21 combinations of bridges and luting agents, and a Kruskal-Wallis test was performed on the results. The abutment geometry significantly influenced the number of impulses needed for retrieval (p < 0.05), and a cement-dependent trend was observed as well. On the other hand, the forces measured during tests showed no clear correlation with bridge retrievability. The best retrievability was obtained with long, slightly tapered abutments and a temporary luting agent.
Temperature Effect on the Compressive Behavior and Constitutive Model of Plain Hardened Concrete
Authors: El-Zohairy Ayman , Hammontree Hunter , Oh Eddie , Moler Perry
Published: June 2020

Concrete is one of the most common and versatile construction materials and has been used under a wide range of environmental conditions. Temperature is one of them, which significantly affects the performance of concrete, and therefore, a careful evaluation of the effect of temperature on concrete cannot be overemphasized. In this study, an overview of the temperature effect on the compressive behavior of plain hardened concrete is experimentally provided. Concrete cylinders were prepared, cured, and stored under different temperature conditions to be tested under compression. The stress–strain curve, mode of failure, compressive strength, ultimate strain, and modulus of elasticity of concrete were evaluated between the ages of 7 and 90 days. The experimental results were used to propose constitutive models to predict the mechanical properties of concrete under the effect of temperature. Moreover, previous constitutive models were examined to capture the stress–strain relationships of concrete under the effect of temperature. Based on the experimental data and the proposed models, concrete lost 10–20% of its original compressive strength when heated to 100 °C and 30–40% at 260 °C. The previous constitutive models for stress–strain relationships of concrete at normal temperatures can be used to capture these relationships under the effect of temperature by using the compressive strength, ultimate strain, and modulus of elasticity affected by temperature. The effect of temperature on the modulus of elasticity of concrete was considered in the ACI 318-14 equation by using the compressive strength affected by temperature and the results showed good agreement with the experimental data.
Nanosecond Laser Etching of Aluminum-Plated Composite Materials Applied to Frequency Selective Surfaces
Authors: Cheng Jian , Jing Shufeng , Lou Deyuan , Yang Qibiao , Tao Qing , Zheng Zhong , Chen Lie , Yang Xuefeng , Liu Dun
Published: June 2020

High-quality frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) are important for electromagnetic signal absorption/filtration. Usually, they are made from wave-transparent composite materials covered with a thin metal layer. Current machining methods show some disadvantages when performing fabrication on the structure. Based on its flexibility and uncontactable processing characteristics, nanosecond laser etching of aluminum-plated composite materials applied to FSSs was investigated. To observe the influence of the laser light incident angle, etching of a series of square areas with different incident angles was performed. Thereafter, an image processing method, named the image gray variance (IGV), was employed to perform etching quality evaluation analysis. The observed microscopic pictures of experimental samples were consistent with those of the IGV evaluation. The potential reasons that might affect the etching quality were analyzed. Following all the efforts above, an incident angle range of ±15° was recommended, and the best etching result was obtained at the incident angle of 10°. To observe the influence of the laser pulse overlap and focal spot size on the etched area border uniformity and on the potential damage to the base materials, a theoretical equation was given, and then its prediction of area border edge burrs fluctuation was compared with the experiments. Furthermore, SEM pictures of etched samples were examined. Based on the study, a processing window of the laser pulse overlap and focal spot size was recommended. To conclude, optimal etching results of the FSS materials could be guaranteed by using the right laser operating parameters with the nanosecond laser.
Crystallization Kinetics Analysis of the Amorphouse Mg72Zn24Ca4 Alloy at the Isothermal Annealing Temperature of 507 K
Authors: Lelito Janusz
Published: June 2020

This paper presents tests of metallic glass based on Mg72Zn24Ca4 alloy. Metallic glass was made using induction melting and further injection on a rotating copper wheel. A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to investigate the phase transformation of an amorphous ribbon. The tests were carried out at an isothermal annealing temperature of 507 K. The Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mahl-Avrami-Evans model was used to analyze the crystallization kinetics of the amorphous Mg72Zn24Ca4 alloy. In this model, both Avrami’s exponent n and transformation rate constant K were analyzed. Both of these kinetic parameters were examined as a function of time and the solid fraction. The Avrami exponent n value at the beginning of the crystallization process has value n = 1.9 and at the end of the crystallization process has value n = 3.6. The kinetic constant K values change in the opposite way as the exponent n. At the beginning of the crystallization process the constant K has value K = 9.19 × 10−7 s−n (ln(K) = −13.9) and at the end of the crystallization process has the value K = 6.19 × 10−9 s−n (ln(K) = −18.9). These parameters behave similarly, analyzing them as a function of the duration of the isothermal transformation. The exponent n increases and the constant K decreases with the duration of the crystallization process. With such a change of the Avrami exponent n and the transformation rate constant K, the crystallization process is controlled by the 3D growth on predetermined nuclei. Because each metallic glass has a place for heterogeneous nucleation, so called pre-existing nuclei, in which nucleation is strengthened and the energy barrier is lowered. These nuclei along with possible surface-induced crystallization, lead to rapid nucleation at the beginning of the process, and therefore a larger transformed fraction than expected for purely uniform nucleation. These sites are used and saturated with time, followed mainly by homogeneous nucleation. In addition, such a high value of the Avrami exponent n at the end of the crystallization process can cause the impingement effect, heterogeneous distribution of nuclei and the diffusion-controlled grain growth in the Mg72Zn24Ca4 metallic glassy alloy.
Refined Calibration Model for Improving the Orientation Precision of Electron Backscatter Diffraction Maps
Authors: Winkelmann Aimo , Nolze Gert , Cios Grzegorz , Tokarski Tomasz , Bała Piotr
Published: June 2020

For the precise determination of orientations in polycrystalline materials, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) requires a consistent calibration of the diffraction geometry in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the present paper, the variation of the projection center for the Kikuchi diffraction patterns which are measured by EBSD is calibrated using a projective transformation model for the SEM beam scan positions on the sample. Based on a full pattern matching approach between simulated and experimental Kikuchi patterns, individual projection center estimates are determined on a subgrid of the EBSD map, from which least-square fits to affine and projective transformations can be obtained. Reference measurements on single-crystalline silicon are used to quantify the orientation errors which result from different calibration models for the variation of the projection center.
Estimation of the Dissipative Heat Sources Related to the Total Energy Input of a CFRP Composite by Using the Second Amplitude Harmonic of the Thermal Signal
Authors: De Finis Rosa , Palumbo Davide
Published: June 2020

Theories for predicting the fatigue behaviour of composite laminates often make strong assumptions on the damage mechanisms that strongly depend on the designed laminate lay-up. In this regard, several physical and empirical models were proposed in the literature that generally require experimental validations. The experimental techniques, such as thermography, also provide useful tools for monitoring the behaviour of the specific material so, that they can be used to support the study of the damage mechanisms of materials. In this research, the second amplitude harmonic of the thermal signal has been investigated and used to assess the relationship with the total energy input in order to estimate the fatigue strength of the material. A thermal index was assessed by monitoring the constant amplitude tests (S/N curve) that were performed on a quasi-isotropic carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminate obtained by the automated fibre placement process. The obtained results demonstrated the capability of the second amplitude harmonic of the thermal signal to describe and monitor the fatigue damage.
A Novel Microstructural Evolution Model for Growth of Ultra-Fine Al2O3 Oxides from SiO2 Silica Ceramic Decomposition during Self-Propagated High-Temperature Synthesis
Authors: Kopec Mateusz , Jóźwiak Stanisław , Kowalewski Zbigniew L.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, experimental verification of the microstructural evolution model during sintering of aluminum, iron and particulate mullite ceramic powders using self-propagated high-temperature synthesis (SHS) was performed. The powder mixture with 20% wt. content of reinforcing ceramic was investigated throughout this research. The mixed powders were cold pressed and sintered in a vacuum at 1030 °C. The SHS reaction between sintered feed powders resulted in a rapid temperature increase from the heat generated. The temperature increase led to the melting of an aluminum-based metallic liquid. The metallic liquid infiltrated the porous SiO2 ceramics. Silicon atoms were transited into the intermetallic iron–aluminum matrix. Subsequently, a ternary matrix from the Fe–Al–Si system was formed, and synthesis of the oxygen and aluminum occurred. Synthesis of both these elements resulted in formation of new, fine Al2O3 precipitates in the volume of matrix. The proposed microstructural evolution model for growth of ultra-fine Al2O3 oxides from SiO2 silica ceramic decomposition during SHS was successfully verified through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Hot-Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of the Dual-Scale SiCp/A356 Composites Based on Optimal Hot-Processing Parameters
Authors: Song Yahu , Wang Aiqin , Ma Douqin , Xie Jingpei , Wang Zhen , Liu Pei
Published: June 2020

Hot deformation at elevated temperature is essential to densify particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) and improve their performance. However, hot deformation behavior of the AMCs is sensitive to the variation of hot-processing parameters. In this paper, optimal processing parameters of dual-scale SiCp/A356 composites were determined to explore the control strategy of the microstructure. Hot-compression tests were conducted at temperatures ranging from 460 to 520 °C under strain rates from 0.01 to 5 s−1. Constitutive equation and processing maps were presented to determine the hot-processing parameters. Microstructure evolution of the dual-scale SiCp/A356 composites was analyzed. The strain rate of 0.62–5 s−1 and deformation temperature of 495–518 °C is suitable for the hot processing. The number of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grains in the “safe” domains is larger and the dislocation density is lower compared to those of instability domains. DRX grains mainly occurred around SiC particles. The presence of SiC particles can promote effectively the DRX nucleation, which results in the dynamic softening mechanism of the dual-scale SiCp/A356 composites being dominated by DRX.
The Relationship between the Core and the Modified Cores of a Dynamic Game
Authors: Sedakov Artem , Sun Hao
Published: June 2020

The core as a solution to a cooperative game has the advantage that any imputation from it is undominated. In cooperative dynamic games, there is a known transformation that demonstrates another advantage of the core—time consistency—keeping players adhering to it during the course of the game. Such a transformation may change the solution, so it is essential that the new core share common imputations with the original one. In this paper, we will establish the relationship between the original core of a dynamic game and the core after the transformation, and demonstrate that the latter can be a subset of the former.
Generalized Mehler Semigroup on White Noise Functionals and White Noise Evolution Equations
Authors: Ji Un Cig , Lee Mi Ra , Ma Peng Cheng
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we study a representation of generalized Mehler semigroup in terms of Fourier–Gauss transforms on white noise functionals and then we have an explicit form of the infinitesimal generator of the generalized Mehler semigroup in terms of the conservation operator and the generalized Gross Laplacian. Then we investigate a characterization of the unitarity of the generalized Mehler semigroup. As an application, we study an evolution equation for white noise distributions with n-th time-derivative of white noise as an additive singular noise.
Solvability of a Bounded Parametric System in Max-Łukasiewicz Algebra
Authors: Gavalec Martin , Němcová Zuzana
Published: June 2020

The max-Łukasiewicz algebra describes fuzzy systems working in discrete time which are based on two binary operations: the maximum and the Łukasiewicz triangular norm. The behavior of such a system in time depends on the solvability of the corresponding bounded parametric max-linear system. The aim of this study is to describe an algorithm recognizing for which values of the parameter the given bounded parametric max-linear system has a solution—represented by an appropriate state of the fuzzy system in consideration. Necessary and sufficient conditions of the solvability have been found and a polynomial recognition algorithm has been described. The correctness of the algorithm has been verified. The presented polynomial algorithm consists of three parts depending on the entries of the transition matrix and the required state vector. The results are illustrated by numerical examples. The presented results can be also applied in the study of the max-Łukasiewicz systems with interval coefficients. Furthermore, Łukasiewicz arithmetical conjunction can be used in various types of models, for example, in cash-flow system.