bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nfatc1 Is a Functional Transcriptional Factor Mediating Nell-1-Induced Runx3 Upregulation in Chondrocytes
Authors: Li Chenshuang , Zheng Zhong , Zhang Xinli , Asatrian Greg , Chen Eric , Song Richard , Culiat Cymbeline , Ting Kang , Soo Chia
Published: January 2018

Neural EGFL like 1 (Nell-1) is essential for chondrogenic differentiation, maturation, and regeneration. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Nell-1’s pro-chondrogenic activities are predominantly reliant upon runt-related transcription factor 3 (Runx3)-mediated Indian hedgehog (Ihh) signaling. Here, we identify the nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (Nfatc1) as the key transcriptional factor mediating the Nell-1 → Runx3 signal transduction in chondrocytes. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we were able to determine that Nfatc1 binds to the −833–−810 region of the Runx3-promoter in response to Nell-1 treatment. By revealing the Nell-1 → Nfatc1 → Runx3 → Ihh cascade, we demonstrate the involvement of Nfatc1, a nuclear factor of activated T-cells, in chondrogenesis, while providing innovative insights into developing a novel therapeutic strategy for cartilage regeneration and other chondrogenesis-related conditions.
Radical Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Representative Anthocyanin Groupings from Pigment-Rich Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Blando Federica , Calabriso Nadia , Berland Helge , Maiorano Gabriele , Gerardi Carmela , Carluccio Maria , Andersen Øyvind
Published: January 2018

Anthocyanins, the naturally occurring pigments responsible for most red to blue colours of flowers, fruits and vegetables, have also attracted interest because of their potential health effects. With the aim of contributing to major insights into their structure–activity relationship (SAR), we have evaluated the radical scavenging and biological activities of selected purified anthocyanin samples (PASs) from various anthocyanin-rich plant materials: two fruits (mahaleb cherry and blackcurrant) and two vegetables (black carrot and “Sun Black” tomato), differing in anthocyanin content (ranging from 4.9 to 38.5 mg/g DW) and molecular structure of the predominant anthocyanins. PASs from the abovementioned plant materials have been evaluated for their antioxidant capacity using Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assays. In human endothelial cells, we analysed the anti-inflammatory activity of different PASs by measuring their effects on the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. We demonstrated that all the different PASs showed biological activity. They exhibited antioxidant capacity of different magnitude, higher for samples containing non-acylated anthocyanins (typical for fruits) compared to samples containing more complex anthocyanins acylated with cinnamic acid derivatives (typical for vegetables), even though this order was slightly reversed when ORAC assay values were expressed on a molar basis. Concordantly, PASs containing non-acylated anthocyanins reduced the expression of endothelial inflammatory antigens more than samples with aromatic acylated anthocyanins, suggesting the potential beneficial effect of structurally diverse anthocyanins in cardiovascular protection.
Chemical Characterization of a Renoprotective Metabolite from Termite-Associated Streptomyces sp. RB1 against Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxicity
Authors: Lee Dahae , Kang Ki , Lee Hae-Jeung , Kim Ki
Published: January 2018

Platinum-based anticancer drug therapies can cause renal damage and apoptotic kidney cell damage. The development of reno- and kidney-protective molecules is therefore urgently required. To address this challenge, we explored secondary metabolites of termite-associated Streptomyces sp. RB1 isolated from the cuticle of the South African termite, Macrotermes natalensis for their renoprotective ability using bioassay-guided fractionation and LLC-PK1 cells. Chemical investigation of the MeOH extract of Streptomyces sp. RB1 resulted in the isolation and identification of a renoprotective metabolite, 1-O-(2-aminobenzoyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (ABR) (1) from the active fraction, which ameliorated cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity to 80% of the control value at 25 μM. Upregulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38 following cisplatin treatment was markedly decreased after pre-treatment of cells with ABR. In addition, levels of cleaved caspase-3 and the percentage of apoptotic cells were also significantly reduced after pre-treatment with ABR. These findings provide experimental evidence that blocking the MAPK signaling cascade plays a critical role in mediating the renoprotective effect of ABR, which may inspire the development of novel therapeutic substances to prevent anticancer drug-induced nephrotoxicity.
Fusion Proteins of NKG2D/NKG2DL in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Ding Hui , Yang Xi , Wei Yanzhang
Published: January 2018

NKG2D (natural killer group 2, member D) is an important activating receptor in natural killer (NK) cells and some T cells. NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) are specifically expressed on most tumor cells. The engagement of these ligands on tumor cells to NKG2D on NK cells will induce cell-mediated cytotoxicity and have target cells destroyed. This gives NKG2D/NKG2DLs great potential in cancer therapeutic application. The creation of NKG2D/NKG2DL-based multi-functional fusion proteins is becoming one of the most promising strategies in immunotherapy for cancer. Antibodies, cytokines, and death receptors have been fused with NKG2D or its ligands to produce many powerful fusion proteins, including NKG2D-based chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). In this article, we review the recent developments of the fusion proteins with NKG2D/NKG2DL ligands in cancer immunotherapy.
A Comparative Study on Phytochemical Profiles and Biological Activities of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst Leaf and Bark Extracts
Authors: Russo Daniela , Miglionico Rocchina , Carmosino Monica , Bisaccia Faustino , Andrade Paula , Valentão Patrícia , Milella Luigi , Armentano Maria
Published: January 2018

Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (Anacardiaceae) is a savannah tree that has long been used in sub-Saharan Africa as a medicinal remedy for numerous ailments. The purpose of this study was to increase the scientific knowledge about this plant by evaluating the total content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins in the methanol extracts of the leaves and bark (MLE and MBE, respectively), as well as the in vitro antioxidant activity and biological activities of these extracts. Reported results show that MLE is rich in flavonoids (132.7 ± 10.4 mg of quercetin equivalents/g), whereas MBE has the highest content of tannins (949.5 ± 29.7 mg of tannic acid equivalents/g). The antioxidant activity was measured using four different in vitro tests: β-carotene bleaching (BCB), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), O2−•, and nitric oxide (NO•) assays. In all cases, MBE was the most active compared to MLE and the standards used (Trolox and ascorbic acid). Furthermore, MBE and MLE were tested to evaluate their activity in HepG2 and fibroblast cell lines. A higher cytotoxic activity of MBE was evidenced and confirmed by more pronounced alterations in cell morphology. MBE induced cell death, triggering the intrinsic apoptotic pathway by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which led to a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with subsequent cytochrome c release from the mitochondria into the cytosol. Moreover, MBE showed lower cytotoxicity in normal human dermal fibroblasts, suggesting its potential as a selective anticancer agent.
3,3′-Diindolylmethane Suppressed Cyprodinil-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastatic-Related Behaviors of Human Endometrial Ishikawa Cells via an Estrogen Receptor-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Kim Bo-Gyoung , Kim Jin-Wook , Kim Soo-Min , Go Ryeo-Eun , Hwang Kyung-A , Choi Kyung-Chul
Published: January 2018

Cyprodinil (CYP) is a pyrimidine amine fungicide that has been extensively used in agricultural areas. 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a derivative of the dietary phytoestrogen, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which is derived from cruciferous vegetables and considered to be a cancer-preventive phytonutrient agent. In this study, the effects of CYP and DIM were examined on the cell viability, invasion, and metastasis of human endometrial cancer cells, Ishikawa, via epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). CYP increased the level of cell viability of Ishikawa cells compared to DMSO as a control, as did E2. Ishikawa cells lost cell-to-cell contact and obtained a spindle-shaped or fibroblast-like morphology in response to the application of E2 or CYP by the cell morphology assay. In the cell migration and invasion assay, CYP enhanced the ability of migration and invasion of Ishikawa cells, as did E2. E2 and CYP increased the expressions of N-cadherin and Snail proteins, while decreasing the expression of E-cadherin protein as EMT-related markers. In addition, E2 and CYP increased the protein expressions of cathepsin D and MMP-9, metastasis-related markers. Conversely, CYP-induced EMT, cell migration, and invasion were reversed by fulvestrant (ICI 182,780) as an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, indicating that CYP exerts estrogenic activity by mediating these processes via an ER-dependent pathway. Similar to ICI 182,780, DIM significantly suppressed E2 and CYP-induced proliferation, EMT, migration, and invasion of Ishikawa cancer cells. Overall, the present study revealed that DIM has an antiestrogenic chemopreventive effect to withdraw the cancer-enhancing effect of E2 and CYP, while CYP has the capacity to enhance the metastatic potential of estrogen-responsive endometrial cancer.
Physical Therapy Considerations for Chronic Kidney Disease and Secondary Sarcopenia
Authors: Hernandez Haniel , Obamwonyi Gideon , Harris-Love Michael
Published: January 2018

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that may negatively affect musculoskeletal health. These comorbidities may include malnutrition, osteoporosis, and decreased lean body mass. Secondary sarcopenia due to CKD may be associated with mobility limitations and elevated fall risk. Physical therapists are well-positioned among the health care team to screen for secondary sarcopenia in those with CKD and for the treatment of musculoskeletal comorbid conditions that may affect functional performance. Given the consequences of both low muscle mass and low bone mineral density, appropriate and timely physical therapy is important for fall risk assessment and intervention to minimize the susceptibility to bone fracture. While strength training has been studied less frequently than aerobic training for the management of secondary CKD conditions, evidence suggests that this patient population benefits from participation in strength training programs. However, the provision of a formal exercise prescription by a health care professional, along with formal implementation of an exercise program, may need to be more fully integrated into the standard plan of care for individuals with CKD.
Investigating the Influence of Box-Constraints on the Solution of a Total Variation Model via an Efficient Primal-Dual Method
Authors: Langer Andreas
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we investigate the usefulness of adding a box-constraint to the minimization of functionals consisting of a data-fidelity term and a total variation regularization term. In particular, we show that in certain applications an additional box-constraint does not effect the solution at all, i.e., the solution is the same whether a box-constraint is used or not. On the contrary, i.e., for applications where a box-constraint may have influence on the solution, we investigate how much it effects the quality of the restoration, especially when the regularization parameter, which weights the importance of the data term and the regularizer, is chosen suitable. In particular, for such applications, we consider the case of a squared L 2 data-fidelity term. For computing a minimizer of the respective box-constrained optimization problems a primal-dual semi-smooth Newton method is presented, which guarantees superlinear convergence.
The Supply Chain Has No Clothes: Technology Adoption of Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency
Authors: Francisco Kristoffer , Swanson David
Published: January 2018

Blockchain technology, popularized by Bitcoin cryptocurrency, is characterized as an open-source, decentralized, distributed database for storing transaction information. Rather than relying on centralized intermediaries (e.g., banks) this technology allows two parties to transact directly using duplicate, linked ledgers called blockchains. This makes transactions considerably more transparent than those provided by centralized systems. As a result, transactions are executed without relying on explicit trust [of a third party], but on the distributed trust based on the consensus of the network (i.e., other blockchain users). Applying this technology to improve supply chain transparency has many possibilities. Every product has a long and storied history. However, much of this history is presently obscured. Often, when negative practices are exposed, they quickly escalate to scandalous, and financially crippling proportions. There are many recent examples, such as the exposure of child labor upstream in the manufacturing process and the unethical use of rainforest resources. Blockchain may bring supply chain transparency to a new level, but presently academic and managerial adoption of blockchain technologies is limited by our understanding. To address this issue, this research uses the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the concept of technology innovation adoption as a foundational framework for supply chain traceability. A conceptual model is developed and the research culminates with supply chain implications of blockchain that are inspired by theory and literature review.
Evaluation of Maintenance and EOL Operation Performance of Sensor-Embedded Laptops
Authors: Dulman Mehmet , Gupta Surendra
Published: January 2018

Sensors are commonly employed to monitor products during their life cycles and to remotely and continuously track their usage patterns. Installing sensors into products can help generate useful data related to the conditions of products and their components, and this information can subsequently be used to inform EOL decision-making. As such, embedded sensors can enhance the performance of EOL product processing operations. The information collected by the sensors can also be used to estimate and predict product failures, thereby helping to improve maintenance operations. This paper describes a study in which system maintenance and EOL processes were combined and closed-loop supply chain systems were constructed to analyze the financial contribution that sensors can make to these procedures by using discrete event simulation to model and compare regular systems and sensor-embedded systems. The factors that had an impact on the performance measures, such as disassembly cost, maintenance cost, inspection cost, sales revenues, and profitability, were determined and a design of experiments study was carried out. The experiment results were compared, and pairwise t-tests were executed. The results reveal that sensor-embedded systems are significantly superior to regular systems in terms of the identified performance measures.
Using Electrospinning-Based Carbon Nanofiber Webs for Methanol Crossover Control in Passive Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Yuan Wei , Fang Guoyun , Li Zongtao , Chen Yonghui , Tang Yong
Published: January 2018

Methanol crossover (MCO) significantly affects the performance of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). In order to reduce its effect, this study presents in-house carbon nanofiber webs (CNWs) used as a porous methanol barrier for MCO control in a passive DMFC. The CNW is made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) by using electrospinning and heat treatment. The impacts of PAN concentration and carbonizing temperature on the material properties are considered. The concentration of PAN has a great effect on the micro structures of the CNWs since a higher concentration of PAN leads to a larger nanofiber diameter and lower porosity. A higher carbonizing temperature helps promote the sample conductivity. The use of CNWs has twofold effects on the cell performance. It helps significantly enhance the cell performance, especially at a low methanol concentration due to its balanced effect on reactant and product management. There is an increase in peak power density of up to 53.54% when the CNW is used, in contrast with the conventional DMFC at 2 mol/L. The dynamic and constant-load performances of the fuel cell based on CNWs are also investigated in this work.
Simulation Study on Jet Formability and Damage Characteristics of a Low-Density Material Liner
Authors: Ding Liangliang , Tang Wenhui , Ran Xianwen
Published: January 2018

The shaped charge tandem warhead is an effective weapon against the ERA (explosive reactive armor). Whether the pre-warhead can reliably initiate the ERA directly determines the entire performance of the tandem warhead. The existing shaped charge pre-warhead mostly adopts a metal shaped jet, which effectively initiates the ERA, but interferes the main shaped jet. This article, on the other hand, explores the possibility of producing a pre-warhead using a low-density material as the liner. The nonlinear dynamic analysis software Autodyn-2D is used to simulate and compare three kinds of low-density shaped jets, including floatglass, Lucite, and Plexiglas, to the copper shaped jet in the effectiveness of impacting ERA. Based on the integrative criteria (including u-d initiation criterion, explosive reactive degree, explosive pressure, and particle velocity of the panels), it can be determined whether the low-density shaped jet can reliably initiate the sandwich charge. The results show that the three kinds of low-density shaped jets can not only initiate the reaction armor, but are also superior to the existing copper shaped jet in ductility, jet tip velocity, jet tip diameter, and the mass; namely, it is feasible to use the low-density material shaped jet to destroy the ERA.
Microstructure and Sliding Wear Behaviour of In-Situ TiC-Reinforced Composite Surface Layers Fabricated on Ductile Cast Iron by Laser Alloying
Authors: Janicki Damian
Published: January 2018

TiC-reinforced composite surface layers (TRLs) on a ductile cast iron EN-GJS-700-2 grade (DCI) substrate were synthesized using a diode laser surface alloying with a direct injection of titanium powder into the molten pool. The experimental results were compared with thermodynamic calculations. The TRLs having a uniform distribution of the TiC particles and their fraction up to 15.4 vol % were achieved. With increasing titanium concentration in the molten pool, fractions of TiC and retained austenite increase and the shape of TiC particles changes from cubic to dendritic form. At the same time, the cementite fraction decreases, lowering the overall hardness of the TRL. A good agreement between experimental and calculated results was achieved. Comparative dry sliding wear tests between the as-received DCI, the TRLs and also laser surface melted layers (SMLs) have been performed following the ASTM G 99 standard test method under contact pressures of 2.12 and 4.25 MPa. For both the as-received DCI and the SMLs, the wear rates increased with increasing contact pressure. The TRLs exhibited a significantly higher wear resistance than the others, which was found to be load independent.
Dynamic Shear Deformation and Failure of Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-1Cr-1Fe Alloys
Authors: Ran Chun , Chen Pengwan
Published: January 2018

To study the dynamic shear deformation and failure properties of Ti-6Al-4V (Ti-64) alloy and Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-1Cr-1Fe (Ti-55511) alloy, a series of forced shear tests on flat hat shaped (FHS) specimens for the two investigated materials was performed using a split Hopkinson pressure bar setup. The evolution of shear deformation was monitored by an ultra-high-speed camera (Kirana-05M). Localized shear band is induced in the two investigated materials under forced shear tests. Our results indicate that severe strain localization (adiabatic shear) is accompanied by a loss in the load carrying capacity, i.e., by a sudden drop in loading. Three distinct stages can be identified using a digital image correlation technique for accurate shear strain measurement. The microstructural analysis reveals that the dynamic failure mechanisms for Ti-64 and Ti-55511 alloys within the shear band are of a cohesive and adhesive nature, respectively.
Novel Chemical Process for Producing Chrome Coated Metal
Authors: Pelar Christopher , Greenaway Karima , Zea Hugo , Wu Chun-Hsien , Luhrs Claudia , Phillips Jonathan
Published: January 2018

This work demonstrates that a version of the Reduction Expansion Synthesis (RES) process, Cr-RES, can create a micron scale Cr coating on an iron wire. The process involves three steps. I. A paste consisting of a physical mix of urea, chrome nitrate or chrome oxide, and water is prepared. II. An iron wire is coated by dipping. III. The coated, and dried, wire is heated to ~800 °C for 10 min in a tube furnace under a slow flow of nitrogen gas. The processed wires were then polished and characterized, primarily with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM indicates the chrome layer is uneven, but only on the scale of a fraction of a micron. The evidence of porosity is ambiguous. Elemental mapping using SEM electron microprobe that confirmed the process led to the formation of a chrome metal layer, with no evidence of alloy formation. Additionally, it was found that thickness of the final Cr layer correlated with the thickness of the precursor layer that was applied prior to the heating step. Potentially, this technique could replace electrolytic processing, a process that generates carcinogenic hexavalent chrome, but further study and development is needed.
Control of the Size of Silver Nanoparticles and Release of Silver in Heat Treated SiO2-Ag Composite Powders
Authors: Granbohm Henrika , Larismaa Juha , Ali Saima , Johansson Leena-Sisko , Hannula Simo-Pekka
Published: January 2018

The growth of silver nanoparticles, the activation energy for silver particle growth, and the release of silver species in heat treated SiO 2 -Ag composite powders are investigated. The silver particle growth is controlled by heat treatment for 75 min of the as-synthesized SiO 2 -Ag composite powder at 300–800 °C. During heat treatment the mean size of the Ag particles increases from 10 nm up to 61 nm with increasing temperature, however, the particle size distribution widens and the mean size increases with increasing heat treatment temperature. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies, silver particles are crystalline and in a metallic state after annealing in all SiO 2 -Ag composite powders. The growth of Ag particles is suggested to take place via diffusion and Ostwald ripening. The activation energy for particle growth was determined as 0.14 eV. The dissolution of silver in aqueous solutions from the SiO 2 -Ag composites heat treated, at 300 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C, was investigated by varying pH and temperature. The dissolution was reduced in all conditions with increasing silver particle size, i.e., when the total surface area of Ag particles is reduced. It is suggested that the dissolution of silver from the composite powders can conveniently be adjusted by controlling the Ag particle size by the heat treatment of the composite powder.
Weld Magnification Factor Approach in Cruciform Joints Considering Post Welding Cooling Medium and Weld Size
Authors: Araque Oscar , Arzola Nelson
Published: January 2018

The objective of this research is to develop an experimental-theoretical analysis about the influence of the cooling medium and the geometry of the welding bead profile in fatigue life and the associated parameters with structural integrity of welded joints. A welded joint with cruciform geometry is considered using SMAW (Shielded Metal ArcWelding), plates in structural steel ASTM A36 HR of 8 mm of thickness, and E6013 electrode input. A three-dimensional computational model of the cruciform joint was created using the finite element method. For this model, the surface undulation of the cord and differentiation in the mechanical properties of the fusion zone were considered, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and base material, respectively. In addition, an initial residual stress field, which was established experimentally, was considered. The results were a set of analytical expressions for the weld magnification factor Mk. It was found that values for the latter decrease markedly in function of the intensity of the cooling medium used in the post welding cooling phase, mainly due to the effect of the residual compressive stresses. The obtained models of behavior of the weld magnification factor are compared with the results from other researchers with some small differences, mainly due to the inclusion of the cooling effect of the post weld and the variation of the leg of the weld bead. The obtained analytical equations in the present research for Mk can be used in management models of life and structural integrity for this type of welded joint.
Morphology, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Containing Reduced Graphene Oxide and Graphene Nanoplatelets
Authors: Strankowski Michał , Korzeniewski Piotr , Strankowska Justyna , A. S. Anu , Thomas Sabu
Published: January 2018

Polyurethane/graphene nanocomposites were synthesized using commercial thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU, Apilon 52DE55), and two types of graphene derivatives: graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, TEM, and SEM microscopy and XRD techniques were used to chemically and structurally characterize GNP and RGO nanofillers. The properties of the new TPU nanocomposite materials were studied using thermal analysis techniques (Dynamical Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG)) to describe the influence of graphene nanofillers on polyurethane matrix. Our investigation describes the comparison of two types of graphene derivatives, commercial one (GNP) and synthesized (RGO) on thermoplastic polyurethanes. These nanofillers provides opportunities to achieve compatibility with the TPU matrix. The property enhancements are attributed commonly to high aspect ratio of graphene nanoplatelets and filler–polymer interactions at the interface. The obtained nanocomposites exhibit higher thermal and mechanical properties due to the good dispersion of both nanofillers into TPU matrix. It was found that the addition of 2 wt % of the nanofiller could lead to a significant reinforcement effect on the TPU matrix. Also, with high content of nanofiller (GNP and RGO), the Payne effect was observed.
Improvement in Wood Bonding Strength of Poly (Vinyl Acetate-Butyl Acrylate) Emulsion by Controlling the Amount of Redox Initiator
Authors: Zhang Yun , Pang Bo , Yang Sen , Fang Wei , Yang Sheng , Yuan Tong-Qi , Sun Run-Cang
Published: January 2018

Polyvinyl acetate emulsion adhesive has been widely used due to its good bonding performance and environmentally friendly properties. Indeed, the bonding performance can be further improved by copolymerizing with other monomers. In this study, the effect of the adjunction of redox initiator (hydrogen peroxide–tartaric acid, H2O2–TA) on the properties of the poly (vinyl acetate-butyl acrylate) (P (VAc–BA)) emulsion adhesive was investigated. With increasing dosage, the reaction became more complete and the obtained film was more compact, as identified via SEM. The core-shell structure of the emulsion particles was confirmed via TEM. Results indicate that while the initiator content increased from 0.5 to 1.0%, a clearer core-shell structure was obtained and the bonding strength of the plywood improved from 2.34 to 2.97 MPa. With the further incorporation of H2O2–TA (i.e., 1.5%), the bonding performance deteriorated. The optimum wood bonding strength (2.97 MPa) of the prepared P (VAc-BA) emulsion adhesive was even better than that (2.55 MPa) of a commercial PVAc emulsion adhesive, suggesting its potential application for the wood industry.
Novel Synthesis of Slightly Fluorinated Graphene Quantum Dots with Luminescent and Paramagnetic Properties through Thermal Cutting of Fluorinated Graphene
Authors: Feng Qian , Xiao Wenqing , Liu Yuan , Zheng Yongping , Lin Yuda , Li Jiaxin , Ye Qingying , Huang Zhigao
Published: January 2018

A novel approach has been developed to synthesize slightly fluorinated graphene quantum dots (GQDs-F) through thermal cutting of highly fluorinated graphene. The fluorinated graphene with substantial structure defects is fragile and is readily attacked. The direct evaporation of abundant CFn (n = 2, 3) groups near structure defects lead to the loss of adjacent skelton C atoms, and the fluorinated graphene can be thermally cut into GQDs-F with a relatively uniform nanosize in pyrolysis at 810 K. The GQDs-F with a low F/C atomic ratio of ca. 0.03 exhibit excitation wavelength-dependent properties with multicolor photoluminescence (PL) from blue to green. At the same time, F adatoms that are most likely located at the edges of GQDs-F have a high efficiency of introducing paramagnetic centres, and GQDs-F show a strong paramagnetism because of sp3-type defects and magnetic zigzag edges. The graphene quantum dots with such multimodal capabilities should have great applied value in material science.
Flexural Behavior of GFRP Tubes Filled with Magnetically Driven Concrete
Authors: Xie Fang , Chen Ju , Dong Xinlong , Feng Bing
Published: January 2018

Experimental investigation of GFRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer) tubes that were filled with magnetically driven concrete was carried out to study the flexural behavior of specimens under bending. Specimens having different cross section and lengths were tested. The test specimens were fabricated by filling magnetically driven concrete into the GFRP tubes and the concrete was vibrated using magnetic force. Specimens vibrated using vibrating tube were also tested for comparison. In addition, specimens having steel reinforcing bars and GFRP bars were both tested to study the effect of reinforcing bars on the magnetically driven concrete. The load-displacement curves, load-strain curves, failure mode, and ultimate strengths of test specimens were obtained. Design methods for the flexural stiffness of test specimens were also discussed in this study.
Fabrication of Magnetically Driven Microvalve Arrays Using a Photosensitive Composite
Authors: Nakahara Tasuku , Suzuki Junya , Hosokawa Yuki , Shimokawa Fusao , Kotera Hidetoshi , Suzuki Takaaki
Published: January 2018

Microvalves play an important role in fluid control in micro total analysis systems (µTAS). Previous studies have reported complex fabrication processes for making microvalve elements in a channel. Hence, there is a need for a simpler microvalve fabrication method for achieving throughput improvement and cost reduction in µTAS. In this study, we propose a simple fabrication method for a magnetically driven microvalve array using a photosensitive composite. The composite was prepared by mixing a photoresist and magnetic particles of pure iron. The simple fabrication process was performed by using a laminating layer composed of a sacrificial part and the composite in a channel. The microvalve elements were fabricated by one-step photolithography using the processability of the sacrificial layer and composite. Further, we demonstrated the magnetic driving property of the fabricated microvalve array device. Compared to devices containing non-driving microvalves, the flow rate was decreased by 50%, and the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet increased by up to 4 kPa with increase in driving microvalve elements. These results imply that our proposed device could be useful for practical µTAS applications.
Suppression of RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by the Metabolites from the Marine Fungus Aspergillus flocculosus Isolated from a Sponge Stylissa sp.
Authors: Shin Hee , Choi Byeoung-Kyu , Trinh Phan , Lee Hwa-Sun , Kang Jong , Van Tran , Lee Hyi-Seung , Lee Jong , Lee Yeon-Ju , Lee Jihoon
Published: January 2018

A new α-pyrone merosesquiterpenoid possessing an angular tetracyclic carbon skeleton, ochraceopone F (1), and four known secondary metabolites, aspertetranone D (2), cycloechinulin (3), wasabidienone E (4), and mactanamide (5), were isolated from the marine fungus Aspergillus flocculosus derived from a sponge Stylissa sp. collected in Vietnam. The structures of Compounds 1–5 were elucidated by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and MS data. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for anti-proliferation activity and their suppression effects on receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation using tartate-resisant acid phosphatase (TRAP). Compounds 1–5 had no anti-proliferative effect on human cancer cell lines up to 30 μg/mL. Among these compounds, aspertetranone D (2) and wasabidienone E (4) exhibited weak osteoclast differentiation inhibitory activity at 10 μg/mL. However, mactanamide (5) showed a potent suppression effect of osteoclast differentiation without any evidence of cytotoxicity.
Constraining Genome-Scale Models to Represent the Bow Tie Structure of Metabolism for 13C Metabolic Flux Analysis
Authors: Backman Tyler , Ando David , Singh Jahnavi , Keasling Jay , García Martín Héctor
Published: January 2018

Determination of internal metabolic fluxes is crucial for fundamental and applied biology because they map how carbon and electrons flow through metabolism to enable cell function. 13 C Metabolic Flux Analysis ( 13 C MFA) and Two-Scale 13 C Metabolic Flux Analysis (2S- 13 C MFA) are two techniques used to determine such fluxes. Both operate on the simplifying approximation that metabolic flux from peripheral metabolism into central “core” carbon metabolism is minimal, and can be omitted when modeling isotopic labeling in core metabolism. The validity of this “two-scale” or “bow tie” approximation is supported both by the ability to accurately model experimental isotopic labeling data, and by experimentally verified metabolic engineering predictions using these methods. However, the boundaries of core metabolism that satisfy this approximation can vary across species, and across cell culture conditions. Here, we present a set of algorithms that (1) systematically calculate flux bounds for any specified “core” of a genome-scale model so as to satisfy the bow tie approximation and (2) automatically identify an updated set of core reactions that can satisfy this approximation more efficiently. First, we leverage linear programming to simultaneously identify the lowest fluxes from peripheral metabolism into core metabolism compatible with the observed growth rate and extracellular metabolite exchange fluxes. Second, we use Simulated Annealing to identify an updated set of core reactions that allow for a minimum of fluxes into core metabolism to satisfy these experimental constraints. Together, these methods accelerate and automate the identification of a biologically reasonable set of core reactions for use with 13 C MFA or 2S- 13 C MFA, as well as provide for a substantially lower set of flux bounds for fluxes into the core as compared with previous methods. We provide an open source Python implementation of these algorithms at https://github.com/JBEI/limitfluxtocore.
Rational Design of a New Class of Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Tryptamine Related Agonists by Means of the Structure- and Ligand-Based Virtual Screening for Vaccine Adjuvant Discovery
Authors: Honegr Jan , Dolezal Rafael , Malinak David , Benkova Marketa , Soukup Ondrej , Almeida Joyce , Franca Tanos , Kuca Kamil , Prymula Roman
Published: January 2018

In order to identify novel lead structures for human toll-like receptor 4 (hTLR4) modulation virtual high throughput screening by a peta-flops-scale supercomputer has been performed. Based on the in silico studies, a series of 12 compounds related to tryptamine was rationally designed to retain suitable molecular geometry for interaction with the hTLR4 binding site as well as to satisfy general principles of drug-likeness. The proposed compounds were synthesized, and tested by in vitro and ex vivo experiments, which revealed that several of them are capable to stimulate hTLR4 in vitro up to 25% activity of Monophosphoryl lipid A. The specific affinity of the in vitro most potent substance was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance direct-binding experiments. Moreover, two compounds from the series show also significant ability to elicit production of interleukin 6.
Modulation of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglia by Prenylated Chalcones from Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. through Inhibition of I-κBα Degradation
Authors: Kim Do , Li Hua , Han Yeong , Jeong Ji , Lee Hwa , Ryu Jae-Ha
Published: January 2018

The overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by microglia may cause neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. From the activity-guided purification of Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. (syn. Psoralea corylifolia L.), three prenylated chalcones were identified: isobavachalcone (1), bavachromene (2), and kanzonol B (3). These prenylated chalcones showed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on NO and PGE2 production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia. Western blotting and RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that these prenylchalcones reduced the expression of protein and mRNA of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-activated microglia. Furthermore, three prenylated chalcones blocked the inhibitory-κBα (I-κBα) degradation and down-regulated nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) level of nucleus in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Therefore, these prenylated chalcones from Psoralea corylifolia may be beneficial for the treatment of neuro-inflammatory diseases by modulating iNOS and COX-2 expressions in activated microglial cells.
Speeding Up the Identification of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator-Targeted Drugs: An Approach Based on Bioinformatics Strategies and Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Rusnati Marco , Sala Davide , Orro Alessandro , Bugatti Antonella , Trombetti Gabriele , Cichero Elena , Urbinati Chiara , Di Somma Margherita , Millo Enrico , Galietta Luis , Milanesi Luciano , Fossa Paola , D’Ursi Pasqualina
Published: January 2018

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is mainly caused by the deletion of Phe 508 (ΔF508) in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein that is thus withheld in the endoplasmic reticulum and rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin/proteasome system. New drugs able to rescue ΔF508-CFTR trafficking are eagerly awaited. An integrated bioinformatics and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) approach was here applied to investigate the rescue mechanism(s) of a series of CFTR-ligands including VX809, VX770 and some aminoarylthiazole derivatives (AAT). Computational studies tentatively identified a large binding pocket in the ΔF508-CFTR nucleotide binding domain-1 (NBD1) and predicted all the tested compounds to bind to three sub-regions of this main pocket. Noticeably, the known CFTR chaperone keratin-8 (K8) seems to interact with some residues located in one of these sub-pockets, potentially interfering with the binding of some ligands. SPR results corroborated all these computational findings. Moreover, for all the considered ligands, a statistically significant correlation was determined between their binding capability to ΔF508-NBD1 measured by SPR and the pockets availability measured by computational studies. Taken together, these results demonstrate a strong agreement between the in silico prediction and the SPR-generated binding data, suggesting a path to speed up the identification of new drugs for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Thermally Stimulated Currents in Nanocrystalline Titania
Authors: Bruzzi Mara , Mori Riccardo , Baldi Andrea , Carnevale Ennio , Cavallaro Alessandro , Scaringella Monica
Published: January 2018

A thorough study on the distribution of defect-related active energy levels has been performed on nanocrystalline TiO2. Films have been deposited on thick-alumina printed circuit boards equipped with electrical contacts, heater and temperature sensors, to carry out a detailed thermally stimulated currents analysis on a wide temperature range (5–630 K), in view to evidence contributions from shallow to deep energy levels within the gap. Data have been processed by numerically modelling electrical transport. The model considers both free and hopping contribution to conduction, a density of states characterized by an exponential tail of localized states below the conduction band and the convolution of standard Thermally Stimulated Currents (TSC) emissions with gaussian distributions to take into account the variability in energy due to local perturbations in the highly disordered network. Results show that in the low temperature range, up to 200 K, hopping within the exponential band tail represents the main contribution to electrical conduction. Above room temperature, electrical conduction is dominated by free carriers contribution and by emissions from deep energy levels, with a defect density ranging within 1014–1018 cm−3, associated with physio- and chemi-sorbed water vapour, OH groups and to oxygen vacancies.
TiO2 Films Modified with Au Nanoclusters as Self-Cleaning Surfaces under Visible Light
Authors: Liao Ting-Wei , Verbruggen Sammy , Claes Nathalie , Yadav Anupam , Grandjean Didier , Bals Sara , Lievens Peter
Published: January 2018

In this study, we applied cluster beam deposition (CBD) as a new approach for fabricating efficient plasmon-based photocatalytic materials. Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) produced in the gas phase were deposited on TiO2 P25-coated silicon wafers with coverage ranging from 2 to 8 atomic monolayer (ML) equivalents. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of the AuNCs modified TiO2 P25 films show that the surface is uniformly covered by the AuNCs that remain isolated at low coverage (2 ML, 4 ML) and aggregate at higher coverage (8 ML). A clear relationship between AuNCs coverage and photocatalytic activity towards stearic acid photo-oxidation was measured, both under ultraviolet and green light illumination. TiO2 P25 covered with 4 ML AuNCs showed the best stearic acid photo-oxidation performance under green light illumination (Formal Quantum Efficiency 1.6 × 10−6 over a period of 93 h). These results demonstrate the large potential of gas-phase AuNCs beam deposition technology for the fabrication of visible light active plasmonic photocatalysts.
Possible Mechanisms of the Prevention of Doxorubicin Toxicity by Cichoric Acid—Antioxidant Nutrient
Authors: Jabłońska-Trypuć Agata , Krętowski Rafał , Kalinowska Monika , Świderski Grzegorz , Cechowska-Pasko Marzanna , Lewandowski Włodzimierz
Published: January 2018

Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and which protects organism against unfavorable external factors e.g., chemicals, environment pollutants, allergens, microorganisms, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining general homeostasis. It is also an important target of oxidative stress due to the activity of oxygen reactive species (ROS), which are constantly generated in the fibroblasts in response to exogenous or endogenous prooxidant agents. An example of such compound with proved prooxidant activity is Doxorubicin (DOX), which is an effective anticancer agent belongs in anthracycline antibiotic group. Increasingly frequent implementation of various strategies to reduce undesirable DOX side effects was observed. Very promising results come from the combination of DOX with dietary antioxidants from the polyphenol group of compounds, such as cichoric acid (CA) in order to lower oxidative stress level. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of CA combined with DOX on the oxidative stress parameters in fibroblasts, which constitute the main cells in human skin. We also wanted to examine anti-apoptotic activity of CA in fibroblasts treated with selected concentrations of DOX. Results obtained from the combination of DOX with CA revealed that CA exhibits cytoprotective activity against DOX-induced damage by lowering oxidative stress level and by inhibiting apoptosis. The present finding may indicate that CA may serve as antioxidative and anti-apoptotic agent, active against DOX-induced damage.
Desphospho-Uncarboxylated Matrix-Gla Protein Is Increased Postoperatively in Cardiovascular Risk Patients
Authors: Dahlberg Sofia , Ede Jacob , Schurgers Leon , Vermeer Cees , Kander Thomas , Klarin Bengt , Schött Ulf
Published: January 2018

Background: Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is an extrahepatic protein that is dependent on glutamate carboxylation, a vitamin K-dependent process. Its dysfunctional form, desphospho-uncarboxylated-MGP, has been associated with increased arterial calcification and stiffness. The aim of this study was to measure the degree of postoperative carboxylation of MGP and two other Gla proteins in patients scheduled for abdominal or orthopaedic surgery. Methods: Forty patients undergoing abdominal or orthopaedic surgery were included. Blood samples were collected preoperatively and four days after the surgery. Desphospho-carboxylated MGP (dp-cMGP), desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP), carboxylated osteocalcin (OC) (cOC), uncarboxylated OC (ucOC), and uncarboxylated prothrombin (PIVKA-II) were analysed. Results: Preoperatively, 29 patients had dp-ucMGP levels above the reference values. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities had higher dp-ucMGP preoperatively compared with patients with no record of cardiovascular disease. Postoperatively, this number increased to 36 patients, and median dp-ucMGP levels increased (p < 0.0001) and correlated to a PIVKA-II increase (r = 0.44). On the other hand, dp-cMGP levels did not significantly alter. Decreased levels of ucOC and cOC were seen after surgery (p = 0.017 and p = 0.0033, respectively). Comorbidities, possible nutritional defects, and complications affecting Gla protein activity and function were identified. Conclusions. Dp-ucMGP was high preoperatively, and had further increased postoperatively. This pattern was linked to several comorbidities, possible nutritional defects, and postoperative complications, which motivates further research about potential interactions between perioperative corrective treatments with vitamin K supplements, cardiovascular biomarkers, and incidents of stroke and myocardial infarction events.
Considerations for Secondary Prevention of Nutritional Deficiencies in High-Risk Groups in High-Income Countries
Authors: Bruins Maaike , Bird Julia , Aebischer Claude , Eggersdorfer Manfred
Published: January 2018

Surveys in high-income countries show that inadequacies and deficiencies can be common for some nutrients, particularly in vulnerable subgroups of the population. Inadequate intakes, high requirements for rapid growth and development, or age- or disease-related impairments in nutrient intake, digestion, absorption, or increased nutrient losses can lead to micronutrient deficiencies. The consequent subclinical conditions are difficult to recognize if not screened for and often go unnoticed. Nutrient deficiencies can be persistent despite primary nutrition interventions that are aimed at improving dietary intakes. Secondary prevention that targets groups at high risk of inadequacy or deficiency, such as in the primary care setting, can be a useful complementary approach to address persistent nutritional gaps. However, this strategy is often underestimated and overlooked as potentially cost-effective means to prevent future health care costs and to improve the health and quality of life of individuals. In this paper, the authors discuss key appraisal criteria to consider when evaluating the benefits and disadvantages of a secondary prevention of nutrient deficiencies through screening.