bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Mucilage and Hull Content in Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Seeds
Authors: Soto-Cerda Braulio J. , Cloutier Sylvie , Quian Rocío , Gajardo Humberto A. , Olivos Marcos , You Frank M.
Published: September 2018

New flaxseed cultivars differing in seed mucilage content (MC) with low hull content (HC) represent an attractive option to simultaneously target the food and feed markets. Here, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted for MC and HC in 200 diverse flaxseed accessions genotyped with 1.7 million single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The data obtained for MC and HC indicated a broad phenotypic variation and high (~70%) and a moderate (~49%) narrow sense heritability, respectively. MC and HC did not differ statistically between fiber and oil morphotypes, but yellow-seeded accessions had 2.7% less HC than brown-seeded ones. The genome-wide linkage disequilibrium (LD) decayed to r2 = 0.1 at a physical distance of ~100 kb. Seven and four quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified for MC and HC, respectively. Promising candidate genes identified include Linum usitatissimum orthologs of the Arabidopsis thaliana genes TRANSPARENT TESTA 8, SUBTILISIN-LIKE SERINE PROTEASE, GALACTUROSYL TRANSFERASE-LIKE 5, MUCILAGE-MODIFIED 4, AGAMOUS-LIKE MADS-BOX PROTEIN AGL62, GLYCOSYL HYDROLASE FAMILY 17, and UDP-GLUCOSE FLAVONOL 3-O-GLUCOSYLTRANSFERASE. These genes have been shown to play a role in mucilage synthesis and release, seed coat development and anthocyanin biosynthesis in A. thaliana. The favorable alleles will be useful in flaxseed breeding towards the goal of achieving the ideal MC and HC composition for food and feed by genomic-based breeding.
Hanks-Type Serine/Threonine Protein Kinases and Phosphatases in Bacteria: Roles in Signaling and Adaptation to Various Environments
Authors: Janczarek Monika , Vinardell José-María , Lipa Paulina , Karaś Magdalena
Published: September 2018

Reversible phosphorylation is a key mechanism that regulates many cellular processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In prokaryotes, signal transduction includes two-component signaling systems, which involve a membrane sensor histidine kinase and a cognate DNA-binding response regulator. Several recent studies indicate that alternative regulatory pathways controlled by Hanks-type serine/threonine kinases (STKs) and serine/threonine phosphatases (STPs) also play an essential role in regulation of many different processes in bacteria, such as growth and cell division, cell wall biosynthesis, sporulation, biofilm formation, stress response, metabolic and developmental processes, as well as interactions (either pathogenic or symbiotic) with higher host organisms. Since these enzymes are not DNA-binding proteins, they exert the regulatory role via post-translational modifications of their protein targets. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of STKs and STPs, and discuss how these enzymes mediate gene expression in prokaryotes. Many studies indicate that regulatory systems based on Hanks-type STKs and STPs play an essential role in the regulation of various cellular processes, by reversibly phosphorylating many protein targets, among them several regulatory proteins of other signaling cascades. These data show high complexity of bacterial regulatory network, in which the crosstalk between STK/STP signaling enzymes, components of TCSs, and the translational machinery occurs. In this regulation, the STK/STP systems have been proved to play important roles.
Polydopamine-Assisted Silver Nanoparticle Self-Assembly on Sericin/Agar Film for Potential Wound Dressing Application
Authors: Liu Liying , Cai Rui , Wang Yejing , Tao Gang , Ai Lisha , Wang Peng , Yang Meirong , Zuo Hua , Zhao Ping , He Huawei
Published: September 2018

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively applied for their broad-spectrum and excellent antibacterial ability in recent years. Polydopamine (PDA) has great advantages for synthesizing large amounts of AgNPs, as it has multiple sites for silver ion binding and phenolic hydroxyl structure to reduce silver ions to AgNPs. Here, we mixed sericin and agar solution and dried at 65 °C to prepare a sericin (SS)/Agar composite film, and then coated polydopamine (PDA) on the surface of SS/Agar film by soaking SS/Agar film into polydopamine solution, subsequently synthesizing high-density AgNPs with the assistance of PDA to yield antibacterial AgNPs-PDA- SS/Agar film. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra indicated the successful synthesis of high-density AgNPs on the surface of PDA-SS/Agar film. PDA coating and AgNPs modification did not affect the structure of sericin and agar. Furthermore, water contact angle, water absorption and mechanical property analysis showed that AgNPs-PDA-SS/Agar film had excellent hydrophilicity and proper mechanical properties. Inhibition zone and growth curve assays suggested the prepared film had excellent and long-lasting antibacterial ability. In addition, it had excellent cytocompatibility on the fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells. The film shows great potential as a novel kind of wound dressing.
Predictive Value of the Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Miao-Fen , Tsai Ming-Shao , Chen Wen-Cheng , Chen Ping-Tsung
Published: September 2018

This study assessed the significance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the relationships of the NLR with the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) level in tumors and the proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the peripheral circulation. In total, 227 HNSCC patients who had received curative treatment at our hospital were enrolled into the present study. The NLR of each HNSCC patient before treatment was calculated. The associations of NLR with various clinicopathological parameters and prognoses were then examined. In addition, correlations between the proportion of MDSCs and level of ALDH1 with the NLR were assessed. Our data revealed that an elevated NLR was significantly correlated with the risk of developing locoregional recurrence and with a reduced overall survival in HNSCC patients. Multivariate analyses revealed that the NLR pretreatment and surgical resection were significantly correlated with the rate of treatment failure and the overall survival rate in HNSCC patients. Furthermore, the levels of ALDH1 in tumors and MDSCs in the peripheral circulation were significantly correlated with the prognosis of HNSCC, and the NLR was positively correlated with MDSC levels in the circulation and ALDH1 staining intensity in tumor specimens. In conclusion, the NLR has power in predicting the expression of ALDH1 in tumors, the circulating level of MDSCs, and the prognosis in HNSCC. We suggest that the NLR is an important biomarker that can assist the clinician and patient in making informed decisions regarding treatment options for HNSCC patients.
The Combination of MiRNA-196b, LCN2, and TIMP1 is a Potential Set of Circulating Biomarkers for Screening Individuals at Risk for Familial Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Bartsch Detlef K. , Gercke Norman , Strauch Konstantin , Wieboldt Ronja , Matthäi Elvira , Wagner Vinona , Rospleszcz Susanne , Schäfer Agnes , Franke Frederike S. , Mintziras Ioannis , Bauer Christian , Grote Tobias , Figiel Jens , Di Fazio Pietro , Burchert Andreas , Reinartz Silke , Pogge von Strandmann Elke , Klöppel Günter , Slater Emily P.
Published: September 2018

Individuals at risk (IAR) of familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) are good candidates for screening. Unfortunately, neither reliable imaging modalities nor biomarkers are available to detect high-grade precursor lesions or early cancer. Circulating levels of candidate biomarkers LCN2, TIMP1, Glypican-1, RNU2-1f, and miRNA-196b were analyzed in 218 individuals with sporadic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n = 50), FPC (n = 20), chronic pancreatitis (n = 10), IAR with relevant precursor lesions (n = 11) or non-relevant lesions (n = 5), 20 controls, and IAR with (n = 51) or without (n = 51) lesions on pancreatic imaging. In addition, corresponding duodenal juice samples were analyzed for Glypican-1 (n = 144) enrichment and KRAS mutations (n = 123). The panel miR-196b/LCN2/TIMP1 could distinguish high-grade lesions and stage I PDAC from controls with absolute specificity and sensitivity. In contrast, Glypican-1 enrichment in serum exosomes and duodenal juice was not diagnostic. KRAS mutations in duodenal juice were detected in 9 of 12 patients with PDAC and only 4 of 9 IAR with relevant precursor lesions. IAR with lesions on imaging had elevated miR-196b/LCN2/TIMP1 levels (p = 0.0007) and KRAS mutations in duodenal juice (p = 0.0004) significantly more often than IAR without imaging lesions. The combination miR-196b/LCN2/TIMP1 might be a promising biomarker set for the detection of high-grade PDAC precursor lesions in IAR of FPC families.
Effects of the Hormone Replacement Therapy and of Soy Isoflavones on Bone Resorption in Postmenopause
Authors: Tit Delia , Bungau Simona , Iovan Ciprian , Nistor Cseppento Delia , Endres Laura , Sava Cristian , Sabau Anca , Furau Gheorghe , Furau Cristian
Published: September 2018

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the most common form of osteoporosis and one of the major public health problems in developed countries. The prevalence of this condition, associated with the physiological stage of menopause, is continuously increasing. This study evaluated the effectiveness of soy isoflavones as compared to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in low doses, on the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, by determining bone mineral density (BMD) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (D-pyr) in physiological postmenopausal women. The study was conducted over a period of 12 months, on three parallel groups, which included a total of 325 postmenopausal women (HRT group: n = 95; phytoestrogens group: n = 124; control group: n = 106). At the one-year evaluation, we observed T-score normalization in a small number of cases (5.26%, 2.42% and 0.00%, respectively). The average values of D-Pyr decreased by 11.38% in the group treated with phytoestrogens (p < 0.05) and by 15.32% in the group that followed HRT (p < 0.05); it increased by 4.38% in the control group (p > 0.05). Both therapies have beneficial effects on bone metabolism, leading to a significant decrease in the evolution of bone resorption and there are no major differences between the efficacy of HRT and phytoestrogens in terms of the effects on BMD and bone resorption.
Coastal Geomorphology of a Holocene Hurricane Deposit on a Pleistocene Marine Terrace from Isla Carmen (Baja California Sur, Mexico)
Authors: Johnson Markes E. , Ledesma-Vázquez Jorge , Guardado-France Rigoberto
Published: September 2018

This study reports the first example of major erosion from hurricanes degrading a rocky coastline anywhere around the Gulf of California, although other sources of evidence are well known regarding the effect of inland erosion due to catastrophic rainfall in the Southern Cape Region of the Baja California peninsula and farther north. The uplifted, 12-m terrace on the eastern shore of Isla del Carmen is the site of an unconsolidated coastal boulder deposit (CBD) consisting of large limestone blocks and boulders eroded from underlying Pliocene strata. The CBD stretches approximately 1.5 km in length, mostly set back 25 m from the lip of the terrace. The largest blocks of upturned limestone near the terrace edge are estimated to weigh between 5.8 and 28 metric tons. Waves impacting the rocky coast that peeled back slabs of horizontally-layered limestone at this spot are calculated to have been between 11.5 and 14 m in height. Analysis of sampled boulders from the CBD set back from the terrace edge by 25 m suggest that the average wave height responsible for moving those boulders was on the order of 4.3 m. Additional localities with exposed limestone shores, as well as other more common rock types of igneous origin have yet to be surveyed for this phenomenon elsewhere around the Gulf of California.
Are Immigrant Women Visible in Australian Domestic Violence Reports that Potentially Influence Policy?
Authors: Ghafournia Nafiseh , Easteal Patricia
Published: September 2018

Through an intersectional lens, this article explores whether immigrant women are represented in a sample of Australian government documents aimed at providing information about family violence in Australia, and discusses implications for policy development. The authors find that while these documents pay lip service to the special vulnerabilities of immigrant and refugee women; arguably, they do not engage with the complexities of the intersection of gender and other social categories. Given that the reports do not focus adequately on how race, ethnicity, culture and immigration status play a role in these women’s experiences of domestic violence, this may limit the effect of policies that address the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) victims’ needs and rights to protection. We argue that a more intersectional approach is necessary to address CALD women’s specific needs.
Controlled Construction of Stable Network Structure Composed of Honeycomb-Shaped Microhydrogels
Authors: Hayakawa Masayuki , Umeyama Satoshi , Nagai Ken H. , Onoe Hiroaki , Takinoue Masahiro
Published: September 2018

Recently, the construction of models for multicellular systems such as tissues has been attracting great interest. These model systems are expected to reproduce a cell communication network and provide insight into complicated functions in living systems./Such network structures have mainly been modelled using a droplet and a vesicle. However, in the droplet and vesicle network, there are difficulties attributed to structural instabilities due to external stimuli and perturbations. Thus, the fabrication of a network composed of a stable component such as hydrogel is desired. In this article, the construction of a stable network composed of honeycomb-shaped microhydrogels is described. We produced the microhydrogel network using a centrifugal microfluidic technique and a photosensitive polymer. In the network, densely packed honeycomb-shaped microhydrogels were observed. Additionally, we successfully controlled the degree of packing of microhydrogels in the network by changing the centrifugal force. We believe that our stable network will contribute to the study of cell communication in multicellular systems.
Geochemistry and the Origin of Life: From Extraterrestrial Processes, Chemical Evolution on Earth, Fossilized Life’s Records, to Natures of the Extant Life
Authors: Nakashima Satoru , Kebukawa Yoko , Kitadai Norio , Igisu Motoko , Matsuoka Natsuki
Published: September 2018

In 2001, the first author (S.N.) led the publication of a book entitled “Geochemistry and the origin of life” in collaboration with Dr. Andre Brack aiming to figure out geo- and astro-chemical processes essential for the emergence of life. Since then, a great number of research progress has been achieved in the relevant topics from our group and others, ranging from the extraterrestrial inputs of life’s building blocks, the chemical evolution on Earth with the aid of mineral catalysts, to the fossilized records of ancient microorganisms. Here, in addition to summarizing these findings for the origin and early evolution of life, we propose a new hypothesis for the generation and co-evolution of photosynthesis with the redox and photochemical conditions on the Earth’s surface. Besides these bottom-up approaches, we introduce an experimental study on the role of water molecules in the life’s function, focusing on the transition from live, dormant, and dead states through dehydration/hydration. Further spectroscopic studies on the hydrogen bonding behaviors of water molecules in living cells will provide important clues to solve the complex nature of life.
Dissecting the Repertoire of DNA-Binding Transcription Factors of the Archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus DSM 3638
Authors: Denis Antonia , Martínez-Núñez Mario , Tenorio-Salgado Silvia , Perez-Rueda Ernesto
Published: September 2018

In recent years, there has been a large increase in the amount of experimental evidence for diverse archaeal organisms, and these findings allow for a comprehensive analysis of archaeal genetic organization. However, studies about regulatory mechanisms in this cellular domain are still limited. In this context, we identified a repertoire of 86 DNA-binding transcription factors (TFs) in the archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus DSM 3638, that are clustered into 32 evolutionary families. In structural terms, 45% of these proteins are composed of one structural domain, 41% have two domains, and 14% have three structural domains. The most abundant DNA-binding domain corresponds to the winged helix-turn-helix domain; with few alternative DNA-binding domains. We also identified seven regulons, which represent 13.5% (279 genes) of the total genes in this archaeon. These analyses increase our knowledge about gene regulation in P. furiosus DSM 3638 and provide additional clues for comprehensive modeling of transcriptional regulatory networks in the Archaea cellular domain.
Synthesis and Comparative Biological Properties of Ag-PEG Nanoparticles with Tunable Morphologies from Janus to Multi-Core Shell Structure
Authors: Xu Mengda , Liu Jie , Xu Xiankui , Liu Shanhu , Peterka František , Ren Yanrong , Zhu Xianfeng
Published: September 2018

Silver nanoparticles synthesized with polymers as coating agents is an effective method to overcome their poor stability and aggregation in solution. Silver-polyethylene glycol (Ag-PEG) nanoparticles were synthesized with the thiol-functionalized polyethylene glycol (SH-PEA) as the coating, reducing and stabilizing agent. The UV irradiation time, polymer and silver nitrate concentration for the synthesis were investigated. The concentration of silver nitrate had significant effect on the morphology of Ag-PEG nanoparticles. When increasing the concentration of silver nitrate, SEM and TEM images showed that Ag-PEG nanoparticles changed from Janus to multi-core shell structure. Meanwhile, pure silver particles in the two hybrid nanoparticles presented spherical shape and had the similar size of 15 nm. The antibacterial activities and cytotoxicity of the two structural Ag-PEG nanoparticles were investigated to understand colloid morphology effect on the properties of AgNPs. The results of antibacterial activities showed that the two structural Ag-PEG nanoparticles exhibited strong antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The Janus nanoparticles had larger minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) values than the multi-core shell counterparts. The results of cytotoxicity showed the Janus Ag-PEG nanoparticles had lower toxicity than the multi-core shell nanoparticles.
An Innovative Method for Forming Balls by Cross Rolling
Authors: Pater Zbigniew , Tomczak Janusz , Bulzak Tomasz
Published: September 2018

The paper describes an innovative cross rolling method that enables the production of six balls at the same time, each ball with a diameter of 100 mm. The principle of the proposed rolling technique is discussed and the tools used in this forming process are described. Two variations of the proposed method for producing balls were investigated, one performed with the use of flat tools and the other with the use of two rolls. Results of the numerical modelling are discussed. They clearly demonstrate that the proposed method can be used to produce balls with large diameters. Rolling experiments were performed under laboratory conditions to produce 40 mm diameter balls, i.e., in the 1:2.5 scale. The experimental findings show a good qualitative agreement with the numerical results.
Correlation of Materials Property and Performance with Internal Structures Evolvement Revealed by Laboratory X-ray Tomography
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Shaogang
Published: September 2018

Although X-rays generated from a laboratory-based tube cannot be compared with synchrotron radiation in brilliance and monochromaticity, they are still viable and accessible in-house for ex situ or interrupted in situ X-ray tomography. This review mainly demonstrates recent works using laboratory X-ray tomography coupled with the measurements of properties or performance testing under various conditions, such as thermal, stress, or electric fields. Evolvements of correlated internal structures for some typical materials were uncovered. The damage features in a graded metallic 3D mesh and a metallic glass under mechanical loading were revealed and investigated. Micro-voids with thermal treatment and void healing phenomenon with electropulsing were clearly demonstrated and quantitatively analyzed. The substance transfer around an electrode of a Li-S battery and the protective performance of a Fe-based metallic glass coating on stainless steel were monitored through electrochemical processes. It was shown that in situ studies of the laboratory X-ray tomography were suitable for the investigation of structure change under controlled conditions and environments. An extension of the research for in situ laboratory X-ray tomography can be expected with supplementary novel techniques for internal strain, global 3D grain orientation, and a fast tomography strategy.
3D Printing of Resin Material for Denture Artificial Teeth: Chipping and Indirect Tensile Fracture Resistance
Authors: Chung Yoo-Jin , Park Ji-Man , Kim Tae-Hyung , Ahn Jin-Soo , Cha Hyun-Suk , Lee Joo-Hee
Published: September 2018

3D printing of denture artificial teeth with resin materials is worthy of study in a novel way. This study evaluated chipping and indirect tensile fracture resistance of 3D printing resin material (Dentca 3D printing denture teeth resin) compared with conventionally prefabricated resin denture teeth (Premium-8, Surpass, SR-Orthosit-PE, and Preference). One hundred tooth specimens were prepared for testing. The 3D printed tooth specimens were printed at a 50 µm layer thickness with methacrylate-based photopolymerized resin by stereolithography 3D printing. Chipping and indirect tensile fracture tests were conducted at a speed of 1 mm/min until fracture. The indirect tensile fracture loads of the 3D printed resin teeth were higher than those of Premium-8, Surpass, and SR-Orthosit-PE, and lower than those of Preference teeth. Regarding chipping resistance, the 3D printed resin teeth were not different from Surpass and SR-Orthosit-PE, and were lower than Premium-8 and Preference teeth. The 3D printed resin teeth exhibited vertical fracture of the loaded cusp without deformation in chipping. The 3D printed resin teeth showed simultaneous fracture of two cusps in indirect tensile fracture, unlike other teeth. The results of this study suggest that 3D printing technology using resin materials provides adequate fracture resistance for denture artificial tooth use.
Seco-Tetracenomycins from the Marine-Derived Actinomycete Saccharothrix sp. 10-10
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Jiao , Chen Minghua , Hao Xiaomeng , Cao Fei , Tan Yi , Ping Yuhui , Wang Yiguang , Xiao Chunling , Gan Maoluo
Published: September 2018

Six new tetracenomycin congeners, saccharothrixones E–I (1–5) and 13-de-O-methyltetracenomycin X (6), were isolated from the rare marine-derived actinomycete Saccharothrix sp. 10-10. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT)-electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Saccharothrixones G (3) and H (4) are the first examples of tetracenomycins featuring a novel ring-A-cleaved chromophore. Saccharothrixone I (5) was determined to be a seco-tetracenomycin derivative with ring-B cleavage. The new structural characteristics, highlighted by different oxidations at C-5 and cleavages in rings A and B, enrich the structural diversity of tetracenomycins and provide evidence for tetracenomycin biosynthesis. Analysis of the structure–activity relationship of these compounds confirmed the importance of the planarity of the naphthacenequinone chromophore and the methylation of the polar carboxy groups for tetracenomycin cytotoxicity.
Determining Material Data for Welding Simulation of Presshardened Steel
Authors: Kaars Jonny , Mayr Peter , Koppe Kurt
Published: September 2018

In automotive body-in-white production, presshardened 22MnB5 steel is the most widely used ultra-high-strength steel grade. Welding is the most important faying technique for this steel type, as other faying technologies often cannot deliver the same strength-to-cost ratio. In order to conduct precise numerical simulations of the welding process, flow stress curves and thermophysical properties from room temperature up to the melting point are required. Sheet metal parts made out of 22MnB5 are welded in a presshardened, that is, martensitic state. On the contrary, only flow stress curves for soft annealed or austenitized 22MnB5 are available in the literature. Available physical material data does not cover the required temperature range or is not available at all. This work provides experimentally determined hot-flow stress curves for rapid heating of 22MnB5 from the martensitic state. The data is complemented by a comprehensive set of thermophysical data of 22MnB5 between room temperature and melting. Materials simulation methods as well as a critical literature review were employed to obtain sound thermophysical data. A comparison of the numerically computed nugget growth curve in spot welding with experimental welding results ensures the validity of the hot-flow stress curves and thermophysical data presented.
One Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of Magnesium Silicate Impregnated Palm Shell Waste Activated Carbon for Copper Ion Removal
Authors: Choong Choe Earn , Lee Gooyong , Jang Min , Park Chang Min , Ibrahim Shaliza
Published: September 2018

Magnesium silicate impregnated onto palm-shell waste activated carbon (PPAC) underwent mild hydrothermal treatment under one-pot synthesis, designated as PPAC-MC. Various impregnation ratios from 25 to 300% of MgSiO3 onto PPAC were tested. High levels of MgSiO3 led to high Cu(II) adsorption capacity. A ratio of 1:1 (PPAC-MS 100) was considered optimum because of its chemical stability in solution. The maximum adsorption capacity of PPAC-MS 100 for Cu(II) obtained by isotherm experiments was 369 mg g−1. The kinetic adsorption data fitted to pseudo-second-order model revealed as chemisorption. Increasing ionic strength reduced Cu(II) adsorption capacity due to the competition effect between Na+ and Cu2+. In addition, PPAC-MS 100 showed sufficient adsorption capacity for the removal of Zn(II), Al(III), Fe(II), Mn(II), and As(V), with adsorption capacities of 373 mg g−1, 244 mg g−1, 234 mg g−1, 562 mg g−1, 191 mg g−1, respectively. Three regeneration studies were also conducted. PPAC-MS was characterized using Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Overall, PPAC-MS 100 is a competitive adsorbent due to its high sorption capacity and sufficient regeneration rate, while remaining economical through the reuse of palm-shell waste materials.
The Influence of Warm Rolling Reduction on Microstructure Evolution, Tensile Deformation Mechanism and Mechanical Properties of an Fe-30Mn-4Si-2Al TRIP/TWIP Steel
Authors: Dong Yanchun , Sun Zhilin , Xia Hao , Feng Jianhang , Du Jiejie , Fang Wei , Liu Baoxi , Wang Gongkai , Li Long , Zhang Xin , Yin Fuxing
Published: September 2018

The effects of warm rolling reduction ratio ranging from 20% to 55% on microstructure evolution, the tensile deformation mechanism, and the associated mechanical properties of an Fe-30Mn-4Si-2Al TRIP/TWIP steel were studied. The warm rolling process resulted in the formation and proliferation of sub-structure, comprising dislocations, deformation twins as well as shear bands, and the densities of dislocation and twins were raised along with the increase in rolling reduction. The investigated steel, with a fully recrystallized state, exhibited a single ε-TRIP effect during the room temperature tensile deformation, on top of dislocation glide. However, the formation and growth of twin lamellae and ε-martensite were detected simultaneously during tensile deformation of the warm rolled specimen with rolling reduction of 35%, leading to a good balance between high yield strength of 785 MPa, good total ductility of 44%, and high work hardening rate. As the rolling reduction increased to 55%, the specimen revealed a relatively low work hardening rate, due to the high dislocation density, and dislocation glide was the main deformation mechanism. As a result, a tensile deformation mechanism that started from a single ε-martensitic transformation moved to a bi-mode of ε-martensitic transformation accompanied with deformation twinning, and finally to dislocation glide with the increasing warm rolling reduction was proposed.
A Disposable Blood-on-a-Chip for Simultaneous Measurement of Multiple Biophysical Properties
Authors: Kang Yang Jun
Published: September 2018

Biophysical properties are widely used to detect pathophysiological processes of vascular diseases or clinical states. For early detection of cardiovascular diseases, it is necessary to simultaneously measure multiple biophysical properties in a microfluidic environment. However, a microfluidic-based technique for measuring multiple biophysical properties has not been demonstrated. In this study, a simple measurement method was suggested to quantify three biophysical properties of blood, including red blood cell (RBC) deformability, RBC aggregation, and hematocrit. To demonstrate the suggested method, a microfluidic device was constructed, being composed of a big-sized channel (BC), a parallel micropillar (MP), a main channel, a branch channel, inlet, and outlets. By operating a single syringe pump, blood was supplied into the inlet of the microfluidic device, at a periodic on-off profile (i.e., period = 240 s). The RBC deformability index (DI) was obtained by analyzing the averaged blood velocity in the branch channel. Additionally, the RBC aggregation index (AIN) and the hematocrit index (HiBC) were measured by analyzing the image intensity of blood flows in the MP and the BC, respectively. The corresponding contributions of three influencing factors, including the turn-on time (Ton), the amplitude of blood flow rate (Q0), and the hematocrit (Hct) on the biophysical indices (DI, AIN, and HiBC) were evaluated quantitatively. As the three biophysical indices varied significantly with respect to the three factors, the following conditions (i.e., Ton = 210 s, Q0 = 1 mL/h, and Hct = 50%) were maintained for consistent measurement of biophysical properties. The proposed method was employed to detect variations of biophysical properties depending on the concentrations of autologous plasma, homogeneous hardened RBCs, and heterogeneous hardened RBCs. Based on the observations, the proposed method exhibited significant differences in biophysical properties depending on base solutions, homogeneous hardened RBCs (i.e., all RBCs fixed with the same concentration of glutaraldehyde solution), and heterogeneous hardened RBCs (i.e., partially mixed with normal RBCs and homogeneous hardened RBCs). Additionally, the suggested indices (i.e., DI, AIN, and HiBC) were effectively employed to quantify three biophysical properties, including RBC deformability, RBC aggregation, and hematocrit.
Genetic Modulation at the Neural Microelectrode Interface: Methods and Applications
Authors: Winter Bailey M. , Daniels Samuel R. , Salatino Joseph W. , Purcell Erin K.
Published: September 2018

The use of implanted microelectrode arrays (MEAs), in the brain, has enabled a greater understanding of neural function, and new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Glial encapsulation of the device and the loss of neurons at the device-tissue interface are widely believed to reduce recording quality and limit the functional device-lifetime. The integration of microfluidic channels within MEAs enables the perturbation of the cellular pathways, through defined vector delivery. This provides new approaches to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of the reactive response and its contribution to device performance. In chronic settings, however, tissue ingrowth and biofouling can obstruct or damage the channel, preventing vector delivery. In this study, we describe methods of delivering vectors through chronically implanted, single-shank, “Michigan”-style microfluidic devices, 1–3 weeks, post-implantation. We explored and validated three different approaches for modifying gene expression at the device-tissue interface: viral-mediated overexpression, siRNA-enabled knockdown, and cre-dependent conditional expression. We observed a successful delivery of the vectors along the length of the MEA, where the observed expression varied, depending on the depth of the injury. The methods described are intended to enable vector delivery through microfluidic devices for a variety of potential applications; likewise, future design considerations are suggested for further improvements on the approach.
Acquisition of Neural Action Potentials Using Rapid Multiplexing Directly at the Electrodes
Authors: Sharma Mohit , Gardner Avery , Strathman Hunter , Warren David , Silver Jason , Walker Ross
Published: September 2018

Neural recording systems that interface with implanted microelectrodes are used extensively in experimental neuroscience and neural engineering research. Interface electronics that are needed to amplify, filter, and digitize signals from multichannel electrode arrays are a critical bottleneck to scaling such systems. This paper presents the design and testing of an electronic architecture for intracortical neural recording that drastically reduces the size per channel by rapidly multiplexing many electrodes to a single circuit. The architecture utilizes mixed-signal feedback to cancel electrode offsets, windowed integration sampling to reduce aliased high-frequency noise, and a successive approximation analog-to-digital converter with small capacitance and asynchronous control. Results are presented from a 180 nm CMOS integrated circuit prototype verified using in vivo experiments with a tungsten microwire array implanted in rodent cortex. The integrated circuit prototype achieves <0.004 mm2 area per channel, 7 µW power dissipation per channel, 5.6 µVrms input referred noise, 50 dB common mode rejection ratio, and generates 9-bit samples at 30 kHz per channel by multiplexing at 600 kHz. General considerations are discussed for rapid time domain multiplexing of high-impedance microelectrodes. Overall, this work describes a promising path forward for scaling neural recording systems to numbers of electrodes that are orders of magnitude larger.
The Synthesis of Secondary Iron Minerals Induced by Quartz Sand during the Bioleaching Process Improves the Dewaterability of Municipal Sewage Sludge
Authors: Ma Yingying , Wang Heru , Song Yongwei , Wu Yiqian , Guo Zehao
Published: September 2018

This study elucidated the mechanisms during the bioleaching process when optimizing the dewaterability of municipal sludge using quartz sand. The experiment was conducted with a shaking table and a series of controlled trials designed to investigate the influence of quartz sand on sludge dewaterability. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were applied to explore the quartz sand’s action mechanism. Results indicated that quartz sand could improve the sludge bioleaching efficiency. The optimal reaction time was between 24–48 h and 48–72 h with and without 10 g·L−1 of quartz sand, and a minimum sludge specific resistance to filtration was 1.2 × 1012 and 2.4 × 1012 m·kg−1, respectively. Quartz sand could provide nucleating sites for secondary iron minerals and overcome the unfavorable influence of a low Fe3+ supply rate in the initial bioleaching stage (0–24 h). Because it was conducive to accelerating the initial mineral precipitation, quartz sand could improve bioleaching efficiency. The X-ray diffraction spectrum showed that quartz sand induced changes in the synthesis pathway of secondary iron minerals when the concentration of Fe2+ ≥ 4 g·L−1. This then promoted the transformation of schwertmannite into jarosite during the mineralization process, which immobilizes nutrients such as K+ and NH4+ in the form of jarosite. Accordingly, bioleached sludge dewaterability and its utilization value can be improved. These results provide theoretical reference for improving bioleaching techniques in the treatment of municipal sludge.
Cerromojonite, CuPbBiSe3, from El Dragόn (Bolivia): A New Member of the Bournonite Group
Authors: Förster Hans-Jürgen , Bindi Luca , Grundmann Günter , Stanley Chris J.
Published: September 2018

Cerromojonite, ideally CuPbBiSe3, represents a new selenide from the El Dragόn mine, Department of Potosí, Bolivia. It either occurs as minute grains (up to 30 µm in size) in interstices of hansblockite/quijarroite intergrowths, forming an angular network-like intersertal texture, or as elongated, thin-tabular crystals (up to 200 μm long and 40 μm wide) within lath-shaped or acicular mineral aggregates (interpreted as pseudomorphs) up to 2 mm in length and 200 μm in width. It is non-fluorescent, black, and opaque, with a metallic luster and black streak. It is brittle, with an irregular fracture, and no obvious cleavage and parting. In plane-polarized incident light, cerromojonite is grey to cream-white, and weakly pleochroic, showing no internal reflections. Between crossed polarizers, cerromojonite is weakly anisotropic, with rotation tints in shades of brown and grey. Lamellar twinning on {110} is common. The reflectance values in air for the COM standard wavelengths (R1 and R2) are: 48.8 and 50.3 (470 nm), 48.2 and 51.8 (546 nm), 47.8 and 52.0 (589 nm), and 47.2 and 52.0 (650 nm). Electron-microprobe analyses yielded a mean composition of: Cu 7.91, Ag 2.35, Hg 7.42, Pb 16.39, Fe 0.04, Ni 0.02, Bi 32.61, Se 33.37, total 100.14 wt %. The empirical formula (based on 6 atoms pfu) is (Cu0.89Hg0.11)Σ = 1.00(Pb0.56Ag0.16Hg0.15 Bi0.11Fe0.01)Σ = 0.99Bi1.00Se3.01. The ideal formula is CuPbBiSe3. Cerromojonite is orthorhombic (space group Pn21m), with a = 8.202(1) Å, b = 8.741(1) Å, c = 8.029(1) Å, V = 575.7(1) Å3, Z = 4. Calculated density is 7.035 g·cm−3. The five strongest measured X-ray powder diffraction lines (d in Å (I/I0) (hkl)) are: 3.86 (25) (120), 2.783 (100) (122), 2.727 (55) (212), 2.608 (40) (310), and 1.999 (25) (004). Cerromojonite is a new member of the bournonite group, representing the Se-analogue of součekite, CuPbBi(S,Se)3. It is deposited from strongly oxidizing low-T hydrothermal fluids at a fSe2/fS2 ratio >1, both as primary and secondary phase. The new species has been approved by the IMA-CNMNC (2018-040) and is named for Cerro Mojon, the highest mountain peak closest to the El Dragón mine.
Optimization of Transesterification Reactions with CLEA-Immobilized Feruloyl Esterases from Thermothelomyces thermophila and Talaromyces wortmannii
Authors: Zerva Anastasia , Antonopoulou Io , Enman Josefine , Iancu Laura , Jütten Peter , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul
Published: September 2018

Feruloyl esterases (FAEs, E.C. 3.1.1.73) are biotechnologically important enzymes with several applications in ferulic acid production from biomass, but also in synthesis of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. The use of such biocatalysts in commercial processes can become feasible by their immobilization, providing the advantages of isolation and recycling. In this work, eight feruloyl esterases, immobilized in cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) were tested in regard to their transesterification performance, towards the production of prenyl ferulate (PFA) and arabinose ferulate (AFA). After solvent screening, comparison with the activity of respective soluble enzymes, and operational stability tests, FAE125 was selected as the most promising biocatalyst. A central composite design revealed the optimum conditions for each transesterification product, in terms of water content, time, and substrate ratio for both products, and temperature and enzyme load additionally for prenyl ferulate. The optimum product yields obtained were 83.7% for PFA and 58.1% for AFA. FAE125 CLEAs are stable in the optimum conditions of transesterification reactions, maintaining 70% residual activity after five consecutive reactions. Overall, FAE125 CLEAs seem to be able to perform as a robust biocatalyst, offering satisfactory yields and stability, and thus showing significant potential for industrial applications.
Instrumentation for Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy: Method Comparison and Newer Developments
Authors: Keiderling Timothy A.
Published: September 2018

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) is a widely used standard method for determination of absolute stereochemistry, and somewhat less so for biomolecule characterization and following dynamic processes. Over the last few decades, different VCD instrument designs have developed for various purposes, and reliable commercial instrumentation is now available. This review will briefly survey historical and currently used instrument designs and describe some aspects of more recently reported developments. An important factor in applying VCD to conformational studies is theoretical modeling of spectra for various structures, techniques for which are briefly surveyed.
Enhancement of Cell Adhesion, Cell Growth, Wound Healing, and Oxidative Protection by Gelatins Extracted from Extrusion-Pretreated Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) Fish Scale
Authors: Huang Chun-Yung , Wu Tien-Chou , Hong Yong-Han , Hsieh Shu-Ling , Guo Hui-Ru , Huang Ren-Han
Published: September 2018

Gelatin has been broadly utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, photographic, cosmetic and packaging industries, and there is also huge potential for novel applications of gelatin in the fields of biotechnology and biomedicine. In the present study, we extracted gelatin from fish processing waste, i.e., scale of tilapia, by a combined method of extrusion-pretreatment and hot water extraction. The extrusion-pretreatment process increases the extraction yield of gelatin. Three gelatins (FS2: preconditioning with double-distilled water (ddH2O) before extrusion; FS12: preconditioning with citric acid solution before extrusion; FS14: preconditioning with acetic acid solution before extrusion) were obtained and all of them enhanced cell adhesion, cell growth, and wound healing in HaCaT cells and protected HaCaT cells from H2O2-induced cellular damage. Among FS2, FS12, and FS14, FS12 exhibited the most pronounced enhancement of cell adhesion, cell growth, and wound healing in HaCaT cells, and thus it may have potential as an effective natural raw material in cell therapies for cutaneous wounds and for reducing H2O2-induced oxidative damage of cells. In additional experiments, it was found that phosphorylations of Akt and mTOR are involved in the signaling pathway activated by FS2, FS12, and FS14 in HaCaT cells.
Palladium-Catalyzed Room Temperature Acylative Cross-Coupling of Activated Amides with Trialkylboranes
Authors: Shi Weijia , Zou Gang
Published: September 2018

A highly efficient acylative cross-coupling of trialkylboranes with activated amides has been effected at room temperature to give the corresponding alkyl ketones in good to excellent yields by using 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropyl)phenylimidazolylidene and 3-chloropyridine co-supported palladium chloride, the PEPPSI catalyst, in the presence of K2CO3 in methyl tert-butyl ether. The scope and limitations of the protocol were investigated, showing good tolerance of acyl, cyano, and ester functional groups in the amide counterpart while halo group competed via the classical Suzuki coupling. The trialkylboranes generated in situ by hydroboration of olefins with BH3 or 9-BBN performed similarly to those separately prepared, making this protocol more practical.
Development of Validated Methods and Quantification of Curcuminoids and Curcumin Metabolites and Their Pharmacokinetic Study of Oral Administration of Complete Natural Turmeric Formulation (Cureit™) in Human Plasma via UPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS Spectrometry
Authors: Jude Shintu , Amalraj Augustine , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B. , Divya Chandradhara , Löffler Bernd-Michael , Gopi Sreeraj
Published: September 2018

Specific and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-QTOF-MS) methods have been developed for the determination of curcuminoids and curcumin metabolites in human blood plasma. The UPLC-QTOF-MS method used a binary solvent delivery system and the chromatographic separation was performed on a C-18 (2.1 × 50 mm; 1.7 µm) column. Mass spectra were obtained on a Waters Xevo G2S Q-TOF mass spectrometer. The developed methods to characterize the pharmacokinetics of curcuminoids and curcumin metabolites in human blood plasma after an oral administration of bioavailable curcumin—Cureit™—were validated. It was found that the complete turmeric matrix enhances the concentration of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), hexahydrocurcumin (HHC), octahydrocurcumin (OHC), curcumin-O-glucuronide (COG) and curcumin-O-sulfate (COS) in the blood plasma once the product is administrated.
Recent Advances in Synthesis of 4-Arylcoumarins
Authors: Jung Jong-Wha , Kim Nam-Jung , Yun Hwayoung , Han Young Taek
Published: September 2018

4-Arylcoumarins (4-aryl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one), also known as neoflavones, comprise a minor subclass of naturally occurring flavonoids. Because of their broad-spectrum biological activities, arylcoumarins have been attracting the attention of the organic and medicinal chemistry communities, and are considered as an important privileged scaffold. Since the development of Pechmann condensation, a classical acid-catalyzed condensation between phenol and β-keto-carboxylic acid, several versatile and efficient synthetic approaches for 4-arylcoumarins have been reported. This review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis of the 4-arylcoumarin scaffold by classifying them based on the final bond-formation type. In particular, synthetic methods executed under mild and highly efficient conditions, such as solvent-free reactions and transition metal catalysis, are highlighted.
Facile Three-Component Synthesis, Insecticidal and Antifungal Evaluation of Novel Dihydropyridine Derivatives
Authors: Yang Guan-Zhou , Shang Xiao-Fei , Cheng Pi-Le , Yin Xiao-Dan , Zhu Jia-Kai , Liu Ying-Qian , Zhang Jing , Zhang Zhi-Jun
Published: September 2018

In an attempt to find the neonicotinoid insecticides, twenty novel dihydropyridine derivatives were designed, “green” synthesized via one pot facile three-component reaction and evaluated for their bioactivities against Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Myzus persicae, Brevicoryne brassicae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, Magnaporthe oryzae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinereal. All of the tested compounds showed potent insecticidal activity, and some were much better in comparison with imidacloprid (IMI). Especially, compounds 3d (LC50: 0.011 mM) and 5c (LC50: 0.025 mM) were 12.2- and 5.4-fold more active than IMI (LC50: 0.135 mM) against T. cinnabarinus, respectively. Moreover, out of all the derivatives, compound 3d (LC50: 0.0015 mM) exhibited the strongest insecticidal activity against B. brassicae and compound 3i (LC50: 0.0007 mM) displayed the strongest insecticidal activity against M. persicae. Surprisingly, when the concentration of compound 4 was 50 mg/L, the inhibition rate against F. oxysporum and S. sclerotiorum reached 45.00% and 65.83%, respectively. The present work indicated that novel dihydropyridine derivatives could be used as potential lead compounds for developing neonicotinoid insecticides and agricultural fungicides.