bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma C-Peptide and Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes in the General Population
Authors: Sokooti Sara , Kieneker Lyanne M. , Borst Martin H. de , Muller Kobold Anneke , Kootstra-Ros Jenny E. , Gloerich Jolein , van Gool Alain J. , Heerspink Hiddo J. Lambers , T Gansevoort Ron , Dullaart Robin P.F. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: September 2020

C-peptide measurement may represent a better index of pancreatic β-cell function compared to insulin. While insulin is mainly cleared by liver, C-peptide is mainly metabolized by kidneys. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between baseline plasma C-peptide level and the development of type 2 diabetes independent of glucose and insulin levels and to examine potential effect-modification by variables related to kidney function. We included 5176 subjects of the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease study without type 2 diabetes at baseline. C-peptide was measured in plasma with an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the association between C-peptide level and type 2 diabetes development. Median C-peptide was 722 (566–935) pmol/L. During a median follow-up of 7.2 (6.0–7.7) years, 289 individuals developed type 2 diabetes. In multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models, we observed a significant positive association of C-peptide with the risk of type 2 diabetes independent of glucose and insulin levels (hazard ratio (HR): 2.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49–3.70). Moreover, we found significant effect modification by hypertension and albuminuria (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001 for interaction, respectively), with a stronger association in normotensive and normo-albuminuric subjects and absence of an association in subjects with hypertension or albuminuria. In this population-based cohort, elevated C-peptide levels are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes independent of glucose, insulin levels, and clinical risk factors. Elevated C-peptide level was not independently associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals with hypertension or albuminuria.
Beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2: Deleterious Variants in DNA Repair Pathway Genes in Italian Families with Breast/Ovarian and Pancreatic Cancers
Authors: Germani Aldo , Petrucci Simona , De Marchis Laura , Libi Fabio , Savio Camilla , Amanti Claudio , Bonifacino Adriana , Campanella Barbara , Capalbo Carlo , Lombardi Augusto , Maggi Stefano , Mattei Mauro , Osti Mattia Falchetto , Pellegrini Patrizia , Speranza Annarita , Stanzani Gianluca , Vitale Valeria , Pizzuti Antonio , Torrisi Maria Rosaria , Piane Maria
Published: September 2020

The 5–10% of breast/ovarian cancers (BC and OC) are inherited, and germline pathogenic (P) variants in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 explain only 10–20% of these cases. Currently, new DDR genes have been related to BC/OC and to pancreatic (PC) cancers, but the prevalence of P variants remains to be explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spectrum and the prevalence of pathogenic variants in DDR pathway genes other than BRCA1/2 and to correlate the genotype with the clinical phenotype. A cohort of 113 non-BRCA patients was analyzed by next-generation sequencing using a multigene panel of the 25 DDR pathways genes related to BC, OC, and PC. We found 43 unique variants in 18 of 25 analyzed genes, 14 classified as P/likely pathogenic (LP) and 28 as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Deleterious variants were identified in 14% of index cases, whereas a VUS was identified in 20% of the probands. We observed a high incidence of deleterious variants in the CHEK2 gene, and a new pathogenic variant was detected in the RECQL gene. These results supported the clinical utility of multigene panel to increase the detection of P/LP carriers and to identify new actionable pathogenic gene variants useful for preventive and therapeutic approaches.
Molecular Phylogeny and Morphology of Amphisphaeria (= Lepteutypa) (Amphisphaeriaceae)
Authors: Samarakoon Milan C. , Maharachchikumbura Sajeewa S. N. , Liu Jian-Kui (Jack) , Hyde Kevin D. , Promputtha Itthayakorn , Stadler Marc
Published: September 2020

Amphisphaeriaceous taxa (fungi) are saprobes on decaying wood in terrestrial, mangrove, and freshwater habitats. The generic boundaries of the family have traditionally been based on morphology, and the delimitation of genera has always been challenging. Amphisphaeria species have clypeate ascomata and 1-septate ascospores and a coelomycetous asexual morph. Lepteutypa is different from Amphisphaeria in having eutypoid stromata and more than 1-septate ascospores. These main characters have been used for segregation of Lepteutypa from Amphisphaeria for a long time. However, the above characters are overlapping among Amphisphaeria and Lepteutypa species. Therefore, here we synonymized Lepteutypa under Amphisphaeria based on holomorphic morphology and multigene phylogeny. Further, our cluster analysis reveals the relationship between seven morphological traits among Amphisphaeria/Lepteutypa species and suggests those morphologies are not specific to either genus. Three new species (i.e., Amphisphaeria camelliae, A. curvaticonidia, and A. micheliae) are introduced based on morphology and LSU-ITS-RPB2-TUB2 phylogenies. Furthermore, the monotypic genus Trochilispora, which had been accepted in Amphisphaeriaceae, is revisited and synonymized under Hymenopleella and placed in Sporocadaceae.
Treatment of Advanced Melanoma: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Fujimura Taku , Kambayashi Yumi , Ohuchi Kentaro , Muto Yusuke , Aiba Setsuya
Published: September 2020

Therapeutic options for treating advanced melanoma are progressing rapidly. Until six years ago, the regimen for treating advanced melanoma mainly comprised cytotoxic agents such as dacarbazine, and type I interferons. Since 2014, anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD1) antibodies have become recognized as anchor drugs for treating advanced melanoma with or without additional combination drugs such as ipilimumab. In addition, v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) kinase inhibitors in combination with mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors are among the most promising chemotherapeutic regimens for treating advanced BRAF-mutant melanoma, especially in patients with low tumor burden. Since anti-PD1 antibodies are widely applicable for the treatment of both BRAF wild-type and mutated advanced melanomas, several clinical trials for drugs in combination with anti-PD1 antibodies are ongoing. This review focuses on the development of the anti-melanoma therapies available today, and discusses the clinical trials of novel regimens for the treatment of advanced melanoma.
Chatter Detection in Milling of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites by Improved Hilbert–Huang Transform and Recurrence Quantification Analysis
Authors: Rusinek Rafał , Lajmert Paweł
Published: September 2020

In the paper, the problem of chatter vibration detection in the milling process of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic is investigated. Chatter analysis may be considered theoretically based on data from impact test of an end mill cutter. However, a stability region obtained in such way may not agree with the real one. Therefore, this paper presents a method that can predict chatter vibrations based on cutting force components measurements. At the beginning, a stability lobe diagram is created to establish the range of experimental test in the plane of tool rotational speed and depth of cut. Next, an experiment of composite milling is performed. The experimentally-measured time series of cutting forces are decomposed with the use of the improved Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT). To detect chatter, statistical methods and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) are used. However, much better results are obtained when new chatter indexes are proposed. The indexes, derived directly from the HHT and RQA methods, can be used to build an effective chatter prediction system.
Enhancing the Hardened Properties of Recycled Concrete (RC) through Synergistic Incorporation of Fiber Reinforcement and Silica Fume
Authors: Ali Babar , Ahmed Hawreen , Ali Qureshi Liaqat , Kurda Rawaz , Hafez Hisham , Mohammed Hussein , Raza Ali
Published: September 2020

Portland cement concrete is fragile in tension and it has numerous negative impacts on the environment. To deal with these issues, both fiber reinforcement and recycled materials can be utilized to manufacture sustainable and ductile concrete. In this study, the synergistic effects of high-performance mineral admixture silica fume and glass fiber reinforcement were investigated on the hardened properties of RC. For this purpose, two concrete mix families, namely, NC and RC were prepared. To understand the benefits of synergistic utilization of glass fiber and silica fume, in both NC and RC, 0.5% glass fiber was incorporated with three different levels of silica fume. i.e., 0%, 5%, and 10%. Both strength and permeability-related durability properties were investigated. Results revealed that combined incorporation of 0.5% fiber and 10% silica fume can help in the production of RC having better mechanical and durability performance compared to reference “NC”. Simultaneous incorporation of silica fume and glass fiber produces a combined effect greater than their individual effects on both mechanical and permeability properties of concrete. Silica fume plays a very dominant and positive role in the development of CS, WA, and CIPR of RC, whereas glass fiber plays a vital role in upgrading STS and FS of RC and whereas, with the addition of 0.5% glass fiber, RC can yield 8–9 times higher flexural toughness than that of the plain NC.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of a Reinforced Wood Lap Joint
Authors: Ye Lingpeng , Wang Baisheng , Shao Pujian
Published: September 2020

During the restoration of ancient wood structures, the original material of the structures should be kept as much as possible, so a spliced method by using lap joints is commonly used to repair ancient wood structures. This study studies the mechanical behavior of a lap joint which was reinforced with fiber composite materials or steels. An experimental and numerical analysis were performed to study the strength, stiffness and failure modes of the lap joints. The test results showed that the strengthening effect of sticking carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets is better than that of sticking CFRP bars or steel bars due to the better bonding conditions; therefore, the lap joint reinforced with CFRP sheets was further analyzed using a numerical approach. The strength and stiffness were enhanced by increasing the reinforcement ratio of CFRP sheets. The use of a 0.34% reinforcement ratio made the bearing capacity of the lap joint reach that of the intact beam. The numerical model agreed well with the experiments in terms of stiffness. By analyzing the numerical analysis results, the structural behavior of the lap joint was revealed. A numerical model can be used to predict the stiffness and behavior of spliced beams with lap joints of different sizes.
Hot Workability of Ultra-Supercritical Rotor Steel Using a 3-D Processing Map Based on the Dynamic Material Model
Authors: Chen Xuewen , Du Yuqing , Lian Tingting , Du Kexue , Huang Tao
Published: September 2020

As a new-type of ultra-supercritical HI-IP rotor steel, X12CrMoWVNbN10-1-1 alloy steel has excellent integrative performance, which can effectively improve the power generation efficiency of the generator set. In this paper, uniaxial thermal compression tests were carried out over a temperature range of 950–1200 °C and strain rates of 0.05–5 s−1 with a Gleeble-1500D thermal simulation testing machine. Moreover, based on hot compression experimental data and the theory of processing diagrams, in combination with the dynamic material model, a three-dimensional (3-D) thermal processing map considering the effect of strain was constructed. It was concluded that optimum thermal deformation conditions were as follows: the temperature range of 1150–1200 °C, the strain rate range of 0.05–0.634 s−1. Through secondary development of the finite element (FE) software FORGE®, three-dimensional thermal processing map data were integrated into finite element software FORGE®. The distributions of instability coefficient and power dissipation coefficient were obtained over various strain rates and temperatures of the Ø 8 × 12 mm cylinder specimen by using finite element simulation. It is shown that simulation results are consistent with the microstructure photos. The method proposed in this paper, which integrates the three-dimensional processing map into the finite element software FORGE® (Forge NxT 2.1, Transvalor, Nice, France), can effectively predict the formability of X12CrMoWVNbN10-1-1 alloy steel.
Conductance Current and Space Charge Characteristics of SiO2/MMT/LDPE Micro-Nano Composites
Authors: Jiang Hongtao , Zhang Xiaohong , Gao Junguo , Guo Ning
Published: September 2020

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is one of the most comprehensive products used as insulation materials in power equipment. How to improve its dielectric properties by doping inorganic particles in LDPE has always been the focus of many researchers. In this paper, silica (SiO2) particles and montmorillonite (MMT) particles were added to LDPE, the order of adding particles was changed, and different micro-nano composites was made. The crystallization characteristics of composites were analyzed, the curves of the conductance current with the change of field intensity were analyzed, and the space charge distribution of each material were investigated. The results of crystallization show that the crystalline properties and crystallinity of the composites are higher than the matrix LDPE, the addition of SiO2 particles increases the composites’ crystallinity significantly, and the intercellular spacing of micro-nano composites is the smallest among all materials. The curve of conductance current versus electric field intensity shows that the tightness of the crystal structure can effectively hinder the movement of the molecular chain, inhibit carrier migration, while shortening the free travel of electrons, thereby reducing the electric conduction current of the material. The experimental results of the space charge accumulation curve further show that the compact crystal structure of the material is beneficial to the dissipation of space charge in the dielectric.
Physical–Mechanical Characteristics and Microstructure of Ti6Al7Nb Lattice Structures Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Cosma Cosmin , Drstvensek Igor , Berce Petru , Prunean Simon , Legutko Stanisław , Popa Catalin , Balc Nicolae
Published: September 2020

The demand of lattice structures for medical applications is increasing due to their ability to accelerate the osseointegration process, to reduce the implant weight and the stiffness. Selective laser melting (SLM) process offers the possibility to manufacture directly complex lattice applications, but there are a few studies that have focused on biocompatible Ti6Al7Nb alloy. The purpose of this work was to investigate the physical–mechanical properties and the microstructure of three dissimilar lattice structures that were SLM-manufactured by using Ti6Al7Nb powder. In particular, the strut morphology, the fracture characterization, the metallographic structure, and the X-ray phase identification were analyzed. Additionally, the Gibson-Ashby prediction model was adapted for each lattice topology, indicating the theoretical compressive strength and Young modulus. The resulted porosity of these lattice structures was approximately 56%, and the pore size ranged from 0.40 to 0.91 mm. Under quasi-static compression test, three failure modes were recorded. Compared to fully solid specimens, the actual lattice structures reduce the elastic modulus from 104 to 6–28 GPa. The struts surfaces were covered by a large amount of partial melted grains. Some solidification defects were recorded in struts structure. The fractographs revealed a brittle rupture of struts, and their microstructure was mainly α’ martensite with columnar grains. The results demonstrate the suitability of manufacturing lattice structures made of Ti6Al7Nb powder having unique physical–mechanical properties which could meet the medical requirements.
Evaluation of Usefulness of AlCrN Coatings for Increased Life of Tools Used in Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of Sheet Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Lacki Piotr , Więckowski Wojciech , Luty Grzegorz , Wieczorek Paweł , Motyka Maciej
Published: September 2020

The study presents the results of examinations of wear in tools made of 1.2344 steel without and with an anti-wear coating in the process of welding overlap joints of sheet metal made of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy using friction stir welding (FSW) technology. A commercial anti-wear AlCrN coating (Balinit® Alcrona Pro by Oerlikon Balzers Coating Poland Sp. z o.o., Polkowice, Poland) was examined, applied using physical vapor deposition (PVD) and used to improve tool life in metalworking processes. Wear tests for the tools were conducted in industrial conditions at specific parameters of the friction stir welding process. Tool wear was evaluated through examination of the tool working surface. The results of the static tensile strength tests and metallographic examinations of the joints were used to evaluate the effect of tool wear and the coating impact on joint quality. The results obtained in the study show that the tool made of 1.2344 steel was intensively worn after the welding of a joint with the length of 200 m, increasing the risk associated with further use of the tool and suggesting the tool’s low durability. The use of the AlCrN coating led to an increase in tool life. The coating limits the process of tool wear and can be used as an anti-wear coating for tools used in the FSW of aluminum alloys.
Structural, Morphological and Thermal Properties of Cellulose Nanofibers from Napier fiber (Pennisetum purpureum)
Authors: Radakisnin Revati , Abdul Majid Mohd Shukry , Jamir Mohd Ridzuan Mohd , Jawaid Mohammad , Sultan Mohamed Thariq Hameed , Mat Tahir Mohd Faizal
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the study is to investigate the utilisation of Napier fiber (Pennisetum purpureum) as a source for the fabrication of cellulose nanofibers (CNF). In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from Napier fiber were isolated via ball-milling assisted by acid hydrolysis. Acid hydrolysis with different molarities (1.0, 3.8 and 5.6 M) was performed efficiently facilitate cellulose fiber size reduction. The resulting CNFs were characterised through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size analyser (PSA), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The FTIR results demonstrated that there were no obvious changes observed between the spectra of the CNFs with different molarities of acid hydrolysis. With 5.6 M acid hydrolysis, the XRD analysis displayed the highest degree of CNF crystallinity at 70.67%. In a thermal analysis by TGA and DTG, cellulose nanofiber with 5.6 M acid hydrolysis tended to produce cellulose nanofibers with higher thermal stability. As evidenced by the structural morphologies, a fibrous network nanostructure was obtained under TEM and AFM analysis, while a compact structure was observed under FESEM analysis. In conclusion, the isolated CNFs from Napier-derived cellulose are expected to yield potential to be used as a suitable source for nanocomposite production in various applications, including pharmaceutical, food packaging and biomedical fields.
Evolution of Welding Residual Stresses within Cladding and Substrate during Electroslag Strip Cladding
Authors: Qin Mu , Cheng Guangxu , Li Qing , Zhang Jianxiao
Published: September 2020

Hydrogenation reactors are important oil-refining equipment that operate in high-temperature and high-pressure hydrogen environments and are commonly composed of 2.25Cr–1Mo–0.25V steel. For a hydrogenation reactor with a plate-welding structure, the processes and effects of welding residual stress (WRS) are very complicated due to the complexity of the welding structure. These complex welding residual stress distributions affect the service life of the equipment. This study investigates the evolution of welding residual stress during weld-overlay cladding for hydrogenation reactors using the finite element method (FEM). A blind hole method is applied to verify the proposed model. Unlike the classical model, WRS distribution in a cladding/substrate system in this study was found to be divided into three regions: the cladding layer, the stress-affected layer (SAL), and the substrate in this study. The SAL is defined as region coupling affected by the stresses of the cladding layer and substrate at the same time. The evolution of residual stress in these three regions was thoroughly analyzed in three steps with respect to the plastic-strain state of the SAL. Residual stress was rapidly generated in Stage 1, reaching about −440 MPa compression stress in the SAL region at the end of this stage after 2.5 s. After cooling for 154 s, at the end of Stage 2, the WRS distribution was fundamentally shaped except for in the cladding layer. The interface between the cladding layer and substrate is the most heavily damaged region due to the severe stress gradient and drastic change in WRS during the welding process. The effects of substrate thickness and preheat temperature were evaluated. The final WRS in the cladding layer first increased with the increase in substrate thickness, and then started to decline when substrate thickness reached a large-enough value. WRS magnitudes in the substrate and SAL decreased with the increase in preheat temperature and substrate thickness. Compressive WRS in the cladding layer, on the other hand, increased with the increase in preheat temperature.
Ceramic Material Processing Towards Future Space Habitat: Electric Current-Assisted Sintering of Lunar Regolith Simulant
Authors: Phuah Xin Li , Wang Han , Zhang Bruce , Cho Jaehun , Zhang Xinghang , Wang Haiyan
Published: September 2020

In situ utilization of available resources in space is necessary for future space habitation. However, direct sintering of the lunar regolith on the Moon as structural and functional components is considered to be challenging due to the sintering conditions. To address this issue, we demonstrate the use of electric current-assisted sintering (ECAS) as a single-step method of compacting and densifying lunar regolith simulant JSC-1A. The sintering temperature and pressure required to achieve a relative density of 97% and microhardness of 6 GPa are 700 °C and 50 MPa, which are significantly lower than for the conventional sintering technique. The sintered samples also demonstrated ferroelectric and ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. This study presents the feasibility of using ECAS to sinter lunar regolith for future space resource utilization and habitation.
Degradation Performance of Open-Cell Biomaterials from Phosphated Carbonyl Iron Powder with PEG Coating
Authors: Oriňaková Renáta , Gorejová Radka , Petráková Martina , Králová Zuzana Orságová , Oriňak Andrej , Kupková Miriam , Hrubovčáková Monika , Podobová Mária , Baláž Matej , Smith Roger M.
Published: September 2020

Advances in biomedicine and development of modern technologies in the last century have fostered the improvement in human longevity and well-being. This progress simultaneously initiated the need for novel biomaterials. Recently, degradable metallic biomaterials have attracted serious attention in scientific and clinical research owing to their utilization in some specific applications. This work investigates the effect of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating of open-cell iron and phosphorus/iron foams on their microstructure and corrosion properties. The addition of phosphorus causes a slight increase in pore size and the deposition of a polymer coating results in a smoothened surface and a moderate decrease in pore diameter. The PEG coating leads to an increase in corrosion rates in both foams and potentially a more desirable product.
The Research of Conductivity and Dielectric Properties of ZnO/LDPE Composites with Different Particles Size
Authors: Cheng Yujia , Yu Guang , Yu Boyang , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: September 2020

Nanocomposites exhibit a high dielectric strength, whereas microcomposites exhibit a high thermal conductivity. In this study, good insulating materials were developed on the basis of the synergetic effect of micro- and nanoparticles, which were used as inorganic fillers. With a double-melting blend, nano-ZnO/low density polyethylene (LDPE), micro-ZnO/LDPE, and micro-nano-ZnO/LDPE composites were prepared, according to the scanning electron microscope test, polarization microscope test, conductivity test, breakdown test, and dielectric spectrum test, the dielectric property of micro-nano-ZnO/LDPE was explored. The SEM test results showed that by adding a suitable proportion of ZnO particles, the inorganic particles could disperse uniformly without reuniting. The PLM test results showed that the micro- and nano-ZnO particles adding decreased the crystal size. The arrangement was regular and tight. The macroscopic results showed that the mass fraction of nanoparticles and microparticles were 3% and 2%, the samples conductivity was the lowest. The breakdown field strength of the nanocomposites increased. The breakdown field strength of nanocomposites with 1%, 3%, and 5% nanoparticle contents were 5%, 15%, and 10% higher than that of pure LDPE. The addition of inorganic particles resulted in new polarization modes: Ionic displacement polarization and interfacial polarization. The ZnO/LDPE composites exhibited a higher dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor than pure LDPE. However, with the increasing frequency, it took considerable time to attain interfacial polarization in the nanocomposite and micro-nanocomposite, thus decreasing the dielectric constant.
Research of a Flexible Space-Vector-Based Hybrid PWM Transition Algorithm between SHEPWM and SHMPWM for Three-Level NPC Inverters
Authors: Jing Tao , Radionov Andrey , Maklakov Alexander , Gasiyarov Vadim
Published: September 2020

In this paper, one model of flexible space-vector-based hybrid pulse width modulation (HPWM) transition algorithm consisting of selective harmonic elimination pulse width modulation (SHEPWM) and selective harmonic mitigation pulse width modulation (SHMPWM) is applied and examined in a 10kV grid with a three-level neutral point clamped (3L-NPC) grid-connected inverter. These two modulation techniques are used to produce the appropriate firing pulses for 3L-NPC grid-connected inverters in different cases. SHMPWM is adopted to the grid-connected inverters to mitigate the required odd non-triplen harmonics according to the requirements of grid codes EN 50160 and CIGRE WG 36-05, while the firing pulses generated using SHEPWM is used to eliminate the primary low-order odd non-triplen harmonics completely. Meanwhile, one smooth and fast transition scheme is proposed by providing a suitable switching angles set at the transition point. Finally, it is demonstrated and validated by the MATLAB/SIMULINK model that smooth and quick transition is realized and there is no sudden change of current during the transition, as expected. Furthermore, this hybrid PWM technique is universal for different PWM methods based on the specific operating conditions.
Comprehensive Utilization of Marine Microalgae for Enhanced Co-Production of Multiple Compounds
Authors: Ma Ruijuan , Wang Baobei , Chua Elvis T. , Zhao Xurui , Lu Kongyong , Ho Shih-Hsin , Shi Xinguo , Liu Lemian , Xie Youping , Lu Yinghua , Chen Jianfeng
Published: September 2020

Marine microalgae are regarded as potential feedstock because of their multiple valuable compounds, including lipids, pigments, carbohydrates, and proteins. Some of these compounds exhibit attractive bioactivities, such as carotenoids, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, and peptides. However, the production cost of bioactive compounds is quite high, due to the low contents in marine microalgae. Comprehensive utilization of marine microalgae for multiple compounds production instead of the sole product can be an efficient way to increase the economic feasibility of bioactive compounds production and improve the production efficiency. This paper discusses the metabolic network of marine microalgal compounds, and indicates their interaction in biosynthesis pathways. Furthermore, potential applications of co-production of multiple compounds under various cultivation conditions by shifting metabolic flux are discussed, and cultivation strategies based on environmental and/or nutrient conditions are proposed to improve the co-production. Moreover, biorefinery techniques for the integral use of microalgal biomass are summarized. These techniques include the co-extraction of multiple bioactive compounds from marine microalgae by conventional methods, super/subcritical fluids, and ionic liquids, as well as direct utilization and biochemical or thermochemical conversion of microalgal residues. Overall, this review sheds light on the potential of the comprehensive utilization of marine microalgae for improving bioeconomy in practical industrial application.
Substrate Impact on the Structure and Electrocatalyst Properties of Molybdenum Disulfide for HER from Water
Authors: Jagminas Arūnas , Naujokaitis Arnas , Gaigalas Paulius , Ramanavičius Simonas , Kurtinaitienė Marija , Trusovas Romualdas
Published: September 2020

It is expected that utilization of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)-based nanostructured electrocatalysts might replace the Pt-group electrodes most effectively applied for hydrogen evolution reaction from water. Therefore, in the past two decades, various approaches have been reported for fabrication of nanostructured MoS2-based catalysts, but their applications in practice are still missing due to lower activity and stability. We envisaged that the knowledge about the peculiarities of MoS2 nanoplatelets attachment to various conductive substrates by hydrothermal processing could be helpful for fabrication of more active and stable working electrodes. Therefore, in this study, the hydrothermal syntheses at the Mo, Ti, Al, anodized Ti, and hydrothermally designed titanium suboxide substrates were performed; the electrodes obtained were characterized; and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity was tested. In this way, MoS2-based HER catalyst possessing a surprising stability and a low Tafel slope was designed via attachment of nanoplatelet-shaped MoS2 species to the nanotube-shaped anatase-TiO2 surface.
Metabolic Profiling of a Porcine Combat Trauma-Injury Model Using NMR and Multi-Mode LC-MS Metabolomics—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Laserna Anna Karen Carrasco , Lai Yiyang , Fang Guihua , Ganapathy Rajaseger , Atan Mohamed Shirhan Bin Mohamed , Lu Jia , Wu Jian , Uttamchandani Mahesh , Moochhala Shabbir M. , Li Sam Fong Yau
Published: September 2020

Profiles of combat injuries worldwide have shown that penetrating trauma is one of the most common injuries sustained during battle. This is usually accompanied by severe bleeding or hemorrhage. If the soldier does not bleed to death, he may eventually succumb to complications arising from trauma hemorrhagic shock (THS). THS occurs when there is a deficiency of oxygen reaching the organs due to excessive blood loss. It can trigger massive metabolic derangements and an overwhelming inflammatory response, which can subsequently lead to the failure of organs and possibly death. A better understanding of the acute metabolic changes occurring after THS can help in the development of interventional strategies, as well as lead to the identification of potential biomarkers for rapid diagnosis of hemorrhagic shock and organ failure. In this preliminary study, a metabolomic approach using the complementary platforms of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to determine the metabolic changes occurring in a porcine model of combat trauma injury comprising of penetrating trauma to a limb with hemorrhagic shock. Several metabolites associated with the acute-phase reaction, inflammation, energy depletion, oxidative stress, and possible renal dysfunction were identified to be significantly changed after a thirty-minute shock period.
Single-Cell Electroporation with Real-Time Impedance Assessment Using a Constriction Microchannel
Authors: Ye Yifei , Luan Xiaofeng , Zhang Lingqian , Zhao Wenjie , Cheng Jie , Li Mingxiao , Zhao Yang , Huang Chengjun
Published: September 2020

The electroporation system can serve as a tool for the intracellular delivery of foreign cargos. However, this technique is presently limited by the inaccurate electric field applied to the single cells and lack of a real-time electroporation metrics subsystem. Here, we reported a microfluidic system for precise and rapid single-cell electroporation and simultaneous impedance monitoring in a constriction microchannel. When single cells (A549) were continuously passing through the constriction microchannel, a localized high electric field was applied on the cell membrane, which resulted in highly efficient (up to 96.6%) electroporation. During a single cell entering the constriction channel, an abrupt impedance drop was noticed and demonstrated to be correlated with the occurrence of electroporation. Besides, while the cell was moving in the constriction channel, the stabilized impedance showed the capability to quantify the electroporation extent. The correspondence of the impedance variation and electroporation was validated by the intracellular delivery of the fluorescence indicator (propidium iodide). Based on the obtained results, this system is capable of precise control of electroporation and real-time, label-free impedance assessment, providing a potential tool for intracellular delivery and other biomedical applications.
Bending Properties of Carbon Nanotube/Polymer Composites with Various Aspect Ratios and Filler Contents
Authors: Hur Oh-Nyoung , Kim Hyun-Woo , Park Sung-Hoon
Published: September 2020

The key characteristics of bending sensors are piezoresistive effect, hysteresis, and durability. In this study, to investigate the influence of the aspect ratio and contents of multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs) on the properties of bending sensors, MWNT/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites were fabricated with various aspect ratios and filler contents. The MWNTs were uniformly dispersed in the composites using the three-roll milling method. By increasing the bending angle gradually, the sensitivity of each composite was analyzed. Furthermore, discontinuous cyclic bending tests were conducted to investigate the piezoresistive effect and hysteresis. In addition, stable repeatability of the composites was confirmed through continuous cyclic bending tests. As a result, optimal aspect ratios and filler contents have been presented for application in bending sensors of MWNT composites.
A Tumbling Magnetic Microrobot System for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Niedert Elizabeth E. , Bi Chenghao , Adam Georges , Lambert Elly , Solorio Luis , Goergen Craig J. , Cappelleri David J.
Published: September 2020

A microrobot system comprising an untethered tumbling magnetic microrobot, a two-degree-of-freedom rotating permanent magnet, and an ultrasound imaging system has been developed for in vitro and in vivo biomedical applications. The microrobot tumbles end-over-end in a net forward motion due to applied magnetic torque from the rotating magnet. By turning the rotational axis of the magnet, two-dimensional directional control is possible and the microrobot was steered along various trajectories, including a circular path and P-shaped path. The microrobot is capable of moving over the unstructured terrain within a murine colon in in vitro, in situ, and in vivo conditions, as well as a porcine colon in ex vivo conditions. High-frequency ultrasound imaging allows for real-time determination of the microrobot’s position while it is optically occluded by animal tissue. When coated with a fluorescein payload, the microrobot was shown to release the majority of the payload over a 1-h time period in phosphate-buffered saline. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that the microrobot’s constituent materials, SU-8 and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), did not show a statistically significant difference in toxicity to murine fibroblasts from the negative control, even when the materials were doped with magnetic neodymium microparticles. The microrobot system’s capabilities make it promising for targeted drug delivery and other in vivo biomedical applications.
Synthesis, Characterization and Process Optimization of Bone Whitlockite
Authors: Batool Sadaf , Liaqat Usman , Hussain Zakir , Sohail Manzar
Published: September 2020

Whitlockite, being the second most abundant bio-mineral in living bone, finds huge applications in tissue regeneration and implants and its synthesis into its pure form has remained a challenge. Although precipitation of whitlockite phase has been reported recently in many publications, effects of various parameters to control such phase as well as conditions for the bulk preparation of this extremely important bio-mineral have not been investigated so far. In this work, we report the precipitation of pure whitlockite phase using common precursors. As reported in the literature, whitlockite is stable in a narrow pH range, therefore; optimization of pH for the stabilization of whitlockite phase has been investigated. Additionally, in order to narrow down the optimum conditions for the whitlockite precipitation, effect of temperature and heating conditions has also been studied. The obtained solids were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). From PXRD analysis, it was observed that heating the precursor’s mixture at 100 °C with subsequent aging at the optimized pH resulted in the precipitation of pure whitlockite phase. These results were further confirmed by TGA, SEM and Raman spectroscopy analysis and it was confirmed that the conditions reported here favor whitlockite precipitation without formation of any secondary phase. These reaction conditions were further confirmed by changing all the parameters like aging, heating time, feed rate of precursors one by one. From PXRD analysis of these samples, it was concluded that not only pH but temperature, heating time, aging time and feed rate effect simultaneously on the precipitation of pure whitlockite phase and a subtle change in any of these parameters could lead to the formation of undesired stable secondary calcium phosphate phases.
Mixed Mercaptocarboxylic Acid Shells Provide Stable Dispersions of InPZnS/ZnSe/ZnS Multishell Quantum Dots in Aqueous Media
Authors: Heyne Benjamin , Arlt Kristin , Geßner André , Richter Alexander F. , Döblinger Markus , Feldmann Jochen , Taubert Andreas , Wedel Armin
Published: September 2020

Highly luminescent indium phosphide zinc sulfide (InPZnS) quantum dots (QDs), with zinc selenide/zinc sulfide (ZnSe/ZnS) shells, were synthesized. The QDs were modified via a post-synthetic ligand exchange reaction with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) in different MPA:MUA ratios, making this study the first investigation into the effects of mixed ligand shells on InPZnS QDs. Moreover, this article also describes an optimized method for the correlation of the QD size vs. optical absorption of the QDs. Upon ligand exchange, the QDs can be dispersed in water. Longer ligands (MUA) provide more stable dispersions than short-chain ligands. Thicker ZnSe/ZnS shells provide a better photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and higher emission stability upon ligand exchange. Both the ligand exchange and the optical properties are highly reproducible between different QD batches. Before dialysis, QDs with a ZnS shell thickness of ~4.9 monolayers (ML), stabilized with a mixed MPA:MUA (mixing ratio of 1:10), showed the highest PLQY, at ~45%. After dialysis, QDs with a ZnS shell thickness of ~4.9 ML, stabilized with a mixed MPA:MUA and a ratio of 1:10 and 1:100, showed the highest PLQYs, of ~41%. The dispersions were stable up to 44 days at ambient conditions and in the dark. After 44 days, QDs with a ZnS shell thickness of ~4.9 ML, stabilized with only MUA, showed the highest PLQY, of ~34%.
Abatement of the Stimulatory Effect of Copper Nanoparticles Supported on Titania on Ovarian Cell Functions by Some Plants and Phytochemicals
Authors: Sirotkin Alexander V. , Radosová Monika , Tarko Adam , Fabova Zuzana , Martín-García Iris , Alonso Francisco
Published: September 2020

The application of nanoparticles has experienced a vertiginous growth, but their interaction with food and medicinal plants in organisms, especially in the control of reproduction, remains unresolved. We examined the influence of copper nanoparticles supported on titania (CuNPs/TiO2), plant extracts (buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)), phytochemicals (rutin and apigenin), and their combination with CuNPs/TiO2 on ovarian cell functions, using cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Cell viability, proliferation (PCNA accumulation), apoptosis (accumulation of bax), and hormones release (progesterone, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol) were analyzed by the Trypan blue test, quantitative immunocytochemistry, and ELISA, respectively. CuNPs/TiO2 increased cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and testosterone but not progesterone release, and reduced the 17β-estradiol output. Plant extracts and components have similar stimulatory action on ovarian cell functions as CuNPs/TiO2, but abated the majority of the CuNPs/TiO2 effects. This study concludes that (1) CuNPs/TiO2 can directly stimulate ovarian cell functions, promoting ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis, turnover, viability, and steroid hormones release; (2) the plants buckwheat and vitex, as well as rutin and apigenin, can promote some of these ovarian functions too; and (3) these plant additives mitigate the CuNPs/TiO2’s activity, something that must be considered when applied together.
Graphitic Nanocup Architectures for Advanced Nanotechnology Applications
Authors: Kim Hyehee , Gao Sen , Hahm Myung Gwan , Ahn Chi Won , Jung Hyun Young , Jung Yung Joon
Published: September 2020

The synthesis of controllable hollow graphitic architectures can engender revolutionary changes in nanotechnology. Here, we present the synthesis, processing, and possible applications of low aspect ratio hollow graphitic nanoscale architectures that can be precisely engineered into morphologies of (1) continuous carbon nanocups, (2) branched carbon nanocups, and (3) carbon nanotubes–carbon nanocups hybrid films. These complex graphitic nanocup-architectures could be fabricated by using a highly designed short anodized alumina oxide nanochannels, followed by a thermal chemical vapor deposition of carbon. The highly porous film of nanocups is mechanically flexible, highly conductive, and optically transparent, making the film attractive for various applications such as multifunctional and high-performance electrodes for energy storage devices, nanoscale containers for nanogram quantities of materials, and nanometrology.
The Influence of Maternal BMI on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Older Women
Authors: Lewandowska Małgorzata , Sajdak Stefan , Więckowska Barbara , Manevska Nevena , Lubiński Jan
Published: September 2020

As mothers age, the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes may increase, but the results so far are controversial and several issues remain unknown, such as the impact of maternal weight on the effects associated with older age. In a prospective cohort of 912 Polish women with singleton pregnancies (recruited in 2015–2016), we assessed the pregnancy outcomes depending on the mother’s age (18–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, and ≥40 years). Women aged ≥35 years (vs. <35 years) were assessed in terms of body mass index (BMI). Multidimensional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of the pregnancy results. The risk profiles (using the Lowess method) were applied to determine the threshold risk. We found that both the youngest and the oldest group members displayed higher adjusted odds ratios of preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth <37th week (U-shaped risk). In the remaining cases, the age ≥40 years, compared to the youngest age 18–24 years, was associated with a higher adjusted risk of gestational hypertension (GH) (AOR = 5.76, p = 0.034), gestational diabetes mellitus GDM-1 (AOR = 7.06, p = 0.016), cesarean section (AOR = 6.97, p <0.001), and low birth weight LBW (AOR = 15.73, p = 0.033) as well as macrosomia >4000 g (AOR = 8.95, p = 0.048). We found that older age ≥35 years (vs. <35 years) was associated with higher adjusted odds ratios of all the pregnancy outcomes investigated. In obese women, these adverse older age related results were found to be more intense in GH study, as well as (though weaker) in birth <37th week study, small-for-gestational age birth weight (SGA), LBW, large-for-gestational age birth weight (LGA), and macrosomia. In overweight women, these adverse older age related results were found to be more intense in preterm birth study, as well as (though weaker) in SGA and LBW. In underweight women, adverse pregnancy outcomes related to older age were more intense in a study of cesarean section. At the same time, underweight was associated with reversal of some negative effects of older age (we found lower odds ratios of GDM-1 diabetes). The maternal threshold age above which the risk of GH, PE, GDM, caesarean section, and preterm birth increased was 33–34 years (lower than the threshold of 35 years assumed in the literature), and the threshold risk of IUGR, LBW, SGA, LGA, and macrosomia was 36–37 years. Main conclusions: Older maternal age was associated with a higher chance of all kinds of obstetric complications. Older women should particularly avoid obesity and overweight.
Nutritional Ergogenic Aids in Racquet Sports: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vicente-Salar Néstor , Santos-Sánchez Guillermo , Roche Enrique
Published: September 2020

A nutritional ergogenic aid (NEA) can help athletes optimize performance, but an evidence-based analysis is required in order to support training outcomes or competition performance in specific events. Racquet sports players are regularly exposed to a high-intensity workload throughout the tournament season. The activity during a match is characterized by variable durations (2–4 h) of repeated high-intensity bouts interspersed with standardized rest periods. Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO were searched from their inception until February 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two independent reviewers extracted data, after which they assessed the risk of bias and the quality of trials. Out of 439 articles found, 21 met the predefined criteria: tennis (15 trials), badminton (three trials), paddle (one trial), and squash (two trials). Among all the studied NEAs, acute dosages of caffeine (3–6 mg/kg) 30–60 min before a match have been proven to improve specific skills and accuracy but may not contribute to improve perceived exertion. Currently, creatine, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, beetroot juice, citrulline, and glycerol need more studies to strengthen the evidence regarding improved performance in racquet sports.