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Traditional pharmacological interventions are well tolerated in the management of elevated blood pressure (BP) for individuals with resistant hypertension. Although neuromodulation has been investigated as an alternative solution, its open-loop (OL) modality cannot follow the patient's physiological state. In fact, neuromodulation for controlling highly fluctuating BP necessitates a closed-loop (CL) stimulation modality based on biomarkers to monitor the patient's continuously varying physiological state. By leveraging its intuitive linkage with BP responses in ongoing efforts aimed at developing a CL system to enhance temporal BP reduction effect, this study proposes a CL neuromodulation modality that controls nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) activity to effectively reduce BP, thus reflecting continuously varying physiological states. While performing neurostimulation targeting the NTS in the rat model, the arterial BP response and neural activity of the NTS were simultaneously measured. To evaluate the temporal BP response effect of CL neurostimulation, OL (constant parameter; 20 Hz, 200 μA) and CL (Initial parameter; 11 Hz, 112 μA) stimulation protocols were performed with stimulation 180 s and rest 600 s, respectively, and examined NTS activity and BP response to the protocols. In-vivo experiments for OL versus CL protocol for direct NTS stimulation in rats demonstrated an enhancement in temporal BP reduction via the CL modulation of NTS activity. This study proposes a CL stimulation modality that enhances the effectiveness of BP control using a feedback control algorithm based on neural signals, thereby suggesting a new approach to antihypertensive neuromodulation. • Real-time closed-loop brainstem modulation using NTS activity feedback enhances BP reduction. • BP response and NTS activity were analyzed with open-loop and closed-loop protocols. • Closed-loop protocol temporally enhanced stimulus-driven BP reduction compared to open-loop protocol. • Regulation of NTS activity increased temporal BP reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose a GAN-based data augmentation to solve data imbalance on hypoglycemia prediction problem. • With a large-scale CGM dataset, we develop conditional GAN and conditional Wasserstein GAN. • We compare the performance of various predictive models with several data augmentation methods. • In most cases, the proposed data augmentation method improves the performance of hypoglycemia prediction. Hypoglycemia is one of the major barriers for intensive insulin treatment to achieve optimal glycemic control for people with diabetes. Accurate prediction of hypoglycemia became an important factor for advancing insulin therapy, and thus numerous studies have proposed data-driven models. However, the data-driven models still suffer from performance degradation due to severe data imbalance between hypoglycemia and non-hypoglycemia. To overcome this problem, we propose a generative adversarial network (GAN) based data augmentation method, generating realistic continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) time series labeled hypoglycemia. Having acquired a large-scale CGM time series dataset, we compared the performance of various models before and after five data augmentation methods. The GAN-based data augmentation method improved the hypoglycemia prediction performance when combined with ML models and we found that the data augmentation method was comparable to conventional data augmentation method. Through visualization, it was found that successfully generated CGM time series satisfied a given condition, and the generated CGM time series were visually separated according to the given condition in an embedding space. These results suggest that GAN-based data augmentation is a promising approach for solving the severe data imbalance of hypoglycemia prediction. We believe that the combination of more accurate hypoglycemia prediction models and intensive insulin therapy will result in better glycemic control for people with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents a novel CMOS voltage reference circuit named symmetric self-biased voltage reference (SSVR), which enables not only to discard the voltage headroom issue of a conventional constant-g m current source and the inevitable need of an extra bias in a modified constant-g m current source, but also to maintain stable bias voltages with strong tolerance against significant variations of power supply and temperature. Test chips of the SSVR were implemented by using a 0.11-μm CMOS process. Measured results demonstrate that the symmetric configuration of the proposed SSVR helps to achieve constant voltage references against the V DD variation from 0.7 to 1.2 V and the temperature variation from −15 °C to 125 °C. The fabricated chip consumes constant 18.5 μA currents for 0.7 ∼ 1.0-V supply voltages and its core occupies the area of 0.04 × 0.047 mm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Acute variceal bleeding (AVB) is a major cause of death in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to investigate mortality predictors and develop a new simple prognostic model using easily verified factors at admission in AVB patients. Methods Between January 2009 and May 2015, 333 consecutive patients with AVB were included. A simplified prognostic model was developed using multiple logistic regression after identifying significant predictors of 6-week mortality. Mortality prediction accuracy was assessed with area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. We compared the new model to existing models of model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and Child–Pugh scores. Results The 6-week overall mortality rate was 12.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that C-reactive protein (CRP), total bilirubin, and the international normalized ratio were independent predictors of mortality. A new logistic model using these variables was developed. This model’s AUROC was 0.834, which was significantly higher than that of MELD (0.764) or Child–Pugh scores (0.699). Two external validation studies showed that the AUROC of our model was consistently higher than 0.8. Conclusions Our new simplified model accurately and consistently predicted 6-week mortality in patients with AVB using objective variables measured at admission. Our system can be used to identify high risk AVB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although there are several hazards for patients with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment, evaluation of lead electrode heating is the most complex because of the many influencing variables: patient size, anatomy, body composition, patient position in the bore, scan sequence (radiofrequency power level), lead routing, and lead design. Although clinical studies are an important step in demonstrating efficacy, demonstrating safety through clinical trials alone is not practical because of this complexity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive modeling framework to predict the probability of pacing capture threshold (PCT) change due to lead electrode heating in the MRI environment and thus provide a robust safety evaluation. Methods: The lead heating risk was assessed via PCT change because this parameter is the most clinically relevant measure of lead heating. The probability for PCT change was obtained by combining the prediction for power at the electrode–tissue interface obtained via simulations with a prediction for PCT change as a function of radiofrequency power obtained via an in vivo canine study. Results: The human modeling framework predicted that the probability of a 0.5-V PCT change due to an MRI scan for the Medtronic CapSureFix MRI SureScan model 5086 MRI leads is <1/70,000 for chest scans and <1/10,000,000 for either head scans or lower torso scans. Conclusion: The framework efficiently models millions of combinations, delivering a robust evaluation of the lead electrode heating hazard. This modeling approach provides a comprehensive safety evaluation that is impossible to achieve using phantom testing, animal studies, or clinical trials alone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Decellularized biologic matrices are plausible biomedical materials for the bioengineering in liver transplantation. However, one of the concerns for safe medical application is the lack of objective assessment of the immunogen within the materials and the in vivo immune responses to the matrices. The purpose of this study was the production of immunogen-reduced and biocompatible matrices from porcine liver. In the present study, 0.1% SDS solution was effective for removing DNA fragments and sequences encoding possible immunogenic and viral antigens within the matrices. The PCR analysis showed that galactose-α-1,3 galactose β-1,4-N-acetylglucosamine (1,3 gal), swine leukocyte antigen (SLA), and porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) were completely removed in the matrices. Collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were preserved over 63%–71%, respectively, compared to those of native liver. The implanted decellularized tissues showed minimal host responses and naturally degraded within 10 weeks. In this study, we produced immunogen-reduced and biocompatible extracellular matrices from porcine liver. Although future investigations would be required to determine the mechanism of the host reaction, this study could provide useful information of porcine liver-derived biologic matrices for liver researches. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study highlighted the aromatic-participant interactions in in vivo trimerization of HSF1 and got an insight into the process of HSF1 protecting against apoptosis. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), mutations of mouse HSF1 (W37A, Y60A and F104A) resulted in a loss of trimerization activity, impaired binding of the heat shock element (HSE) and lack of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression after a heat shock. Under UV irradiation, wild-type mouse HSF1 protected the MEFs from UV-induced apoptosis, but none of the mutants offered protection. We found that normal expression of HSF1 was essential to the cell arrest in G2 phase, assisting with the cell cycle checkpoint. The cells that lack normal HSF1 failed to arrest in the G2 phase, resulting in the process of cell apoptosis. We conclude that the treatment with UV or heat shock stresses appears to induce the approach of HSF1 monomers directly via aromatic-participant interactions, followed by the formation of a HSF1 trimer. HSF1 protects the MEFs from the stresses through the expression of HSPs and a G2 cell cycle arrest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The geochemical behavior of As in porewaters of an alkaline coal ash disposal site was investigated using multilevel samplers. The disposal site was in operation from 1983 until 1994 and was covered with 0.3–0.5m thick soils in 2001 when this study was initiated. Sequential extraction analyses and batch leaching experiments were also performed using the coal ash samples collected from the disposal site. The results suggest the important roles of siderite (FeCO3) precipitation/dissolution and soil cover, which have been ignored previously. Arsenic levels in the porewater were very low (average of 10μgL−1) when the site was covered with soil due to coprecipitation with siderite. The soil cover enabled the creation of anoxic conditions, which raised the Fe concentration by the reductive dissolution of Fe-(hydr)oxides. Because of the high alkalinity generated from the alkaline coal ash, even a small increase in the Fe concentration (0.66mgL−1 on average) could cause siderite precipitation. When the soil cover was removed, however, an oxidizing condition was created and triggered the precipitation of dissolved Fe as (hydr)oxides. As a result, the dissolution of previously precipitated As-rich siderite caused higher As concentration in the porewater (average of 345μgL−1). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Park SM, Kim ES, Sung DH. Cervical radiculopathy caused by neural foraminal migration of a herniated calcified intervertebral disk in childhood: a case report. Childhood intervertebral disk calcification is a rare clinical entity. Although its clinical course is usually benign, nerve root irritation or spinal cord compression can occasionally occur. We present the clinical and radiologic findings of a 9-year-old boy with cervical radiculopathy due to a herniated calcified intervertebral disk, which developed suddenly after swimming for 1 hour. Radiologic findings indicated that a calcified nucleus pulposus at the C6-7 level herniated into the spinal canal and migrated far into the right C6-7 neural foramen. Surgical management was performed 8 weeks after the onset of symptoms, because the initial presenting symptoms persisted despite conservative treatment. In children, calcified intervertebral disks can cause cervical radiculopathy that requires surgical management when they herniate and migrate far into the neural foramen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Active camouflage exhibited by certain creatures in nature such as cephalopods has inspired the fabrication of display devices for human-adaptive camouflage technologies. In order to realize that, electrochromic devices (ECDs) have attracted significant attention owing to their low-voltage operations and fast responses. However, the effective utilization of ECDs requires multicolor patterning, durable functioning, and wearable characteristics, simultaneously, but has not been explored. Here, we demonstrate a low-power, deformable, dynamic multicolor electrochromic skin (DMECS) that mimics the multicolor patterning and the active camouflage functionalities of the skins of cephalopods. The electrochromic polymers such as poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl), poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyl-oxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene], and P4a (green color polymer) are used to create purple, orange, and green colors, respectively. An iontronic polymer pump composed of an ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) incorporated in thermoplastic polyurethane is used as a deformable and transparent solid-state electrolyte that enables low-voltage (±3 V) operated DMECS with excellent cyclic coloration/bleaching stability (>35,000 s), fast response (~1.75 s), and high durability under repeated 10,000 cycles of compressive force (with a bending radius of 8 mm) and tensile strains (~100% up to 15,000 s). We believe that our DMECS can offer user-controlled selective coloration/bleaching of arbitrary display patterns and open new avenues for next-generation wearable optoelectronics. Image 1 • A low-power, deformable, dynamic multicolor electrochromic skin (DMECS) inspired by the multicolor patterning and active camouflage ability of cephalopods skins is clearly described using electrochromic polymers and deformable, transparent iontronic polymer pumps. • A novel iontronic polymer pump composed of an ionic liquid incorporated in thermoplastic polyurethane chains is used as a deformable and transparent elastomer electrolyte that enables low-power DMECS with excellent cyclic coloration/bleaching stability (>35,000 s), fast response (~1.75 s), and high durability under repeated 10,000 cycles of mechanical stimuli. • Ultimately, the proposed strategy is expected to provide a new perspective for low-power artificial active camouflage and deformable multicolor wearable thin film displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonpenetrating aortic root injuries, including aortic transection, coronary artery dissection, and aortic valve disruption, are very rarely seen and difficult to diagnose. This case was determined to be a combination of all three of these injuries. The management of this patient''s injuries was also a challenge because of a history from previous drug-eluting stent implantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the first hydrogenation behavior of TiFe-based hydrogen storage alloy with the laves phase. A TiFe 0.9 Cr 0.1 alloy was prepared through vacuum arc melting, and it had a dual-phase microstructure with B2 and laves phases. The first hydrogenation kinetics was measured by applying a hydrogen pressure of 40 bar at 30 °C, where the alloy absorbed hydrogen without thermal activation. The first hydrogenation kinetics was divided into three sections to understand the first hydrogenation behavior, and each section was analyzed using a solid–gas reaction model. The model's goodness of fit was evaluated by fitting each section. In the early hydrogen absorption stage, a surface-controlled mechanism (Chemisorption model) was analyzed to be the most dominant. In the second stage, where hydrogen was quickly absorbed, an interface-controlled mechanism (CV3D model) was most suitable. In the last hydrogen absorption stage, where hydrogen absorption was saturated, a diffusion-controlled mechanism (GB3D model) was most suitable. • The TiFe 0.9 Cr 0.1 alloy had a dual-phase microstructure with B2 and laves phases. • The alloy absorbed hydrogen without any thermal activation process. • The first hydrogenation kinetics was divided into three sections for analysis. • Hydrogen absorption behavior was analyzed through the solid-gas reaction model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The evaluation of damage sensing for flexural, interfacial and fatigue conditions was studied for carbon fiber reinforces plastic (CFRP) rope, with 4 different formulations of epoxy resin. Thermal analysis and tensile tests were used to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties for different epoxy formulations. Using these experimental results along with the empirical equation between tensile strength, glass transition temperature, T g , and enthalpy, ΔH, optimum conditions for the epoxy formulations were found. Eddy current and static contact angle measurements were made to evaluate the wettability of epoxy into the carbon fibers with the different epoxy types. Flexural strength, fatigue strength and inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) were evaluated for manufactured CFRP rope via pultrusion process. Changed ratio of electrical resistance (ER) of CFRP rope were measure during flexural testing, for signs of micro-cracking leading up to final fracture. The signal of CFRP rope were measured by changes in electrical resistance (ER) to predict the fracture failure. From the results of these studies it was concluded that an acid anhydride-based epoxy was the optimal epoxy formulation for manufacture of CFRP rope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lignin microspheres (LMSs) were hydrothermally produced from black liquor (BL). • BL pH adjustment to 1–4 by 25, 50, and 98% H 2 SO 4 was followed by autoclaving. • LMSs obtained under different conditions had an average size of 1 µm. • LMSs extraction efficiency was estimated as 15.87–21.62 g/L. • LMSs C, H, O, and N contents equaled 48–62, 5–6, 30–36, and 0.2–1.5%, respectively. Lignin nano-/microstructures are widely employed for agricultural drug delivery and heavy metal removal from wastewater, and facile low-cost methods of their large-scale production are therefore highly sought after. Herein, uniform-morphology polydisperse lignin microspheres were directly extracted from black liquor by lowering its pH to <4 followed by hydrothermal treatment and featured several lignin-typical characteristics, e.g., functional groups, thermal stability, amorphousness, and monolignol units. It was assumed that lignin rearranged and assembled into microspheres of various size, shape, and uniformity depending on pH, temperature, and hydrothermal treatment time. Lignin microsphere extraction efficiency was estimated as 15.87–21.62 g L−1, and the average size of microspheres obtained under different conditions was calculated as ∼1 µm, while the C, H, O, and N contents equaled 48–62, 5–6, 30–36, and 0.2–1.5%, respectively. Thus, our method was deemed suitable for direct large-scale extraction of lignin microspheres from black liquor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Direct laser metal sintering (DLMS) 3D printing conditions were optimized for medical-grade Ti-6Al-4V powders. • The inner defect amount and mechanical properties varied depending on the laser spacing (30–100 μm). • An optimally fabricated 3D-printed titanium alloy had similar biological capacities to machine-cut counterparts for dental applications. • The potential usefulness of 3D printing technology was suggested for multiple dental devices. Titanium and its alloys are widely used for dental and medical biomaterials due to their excellent mechanical and biological advantages. After the introduction of direct laser metal sintering (DLMS) 3D printing technology and its use over conventional machine-cut processes, questions remain regarding whether 3D-printed titanium (alloy) devices have similar biological properties to machine-cut counterparts for dental applications. Thus, this work focuses on comparing the biological activities of machine-cut and 3D-printed specimens after optimizing the DLMS 3D-printing conditions in terms of the mechanophysical characteristics. The DLMS 3D-printing (as a function of the laser spacing from 30–100 μm) and post-surface treatment (as-given or sand-blasted) conditions were optimized using medical-grade Ti-6Al-4V powders in terms of the inner pore amount, mechanical properties, roughness and hydrophilicity. Then, the initial cell adhesion of the optimized DLMS 3D-printed Ti-6Al-4V specimen was compared with that of the machine-cut Ti-6Al-4V specimen against human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) and mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), which are representative of direct-contact cell types of orofacial mucosa and bone, respectively. hMSC differentiation on the specimens was conducted for up to 21 days to measure the osteogenic gene expression and biomineralization. Laser spacings of 30–40 μm had fewer inner defects and consequently a higher three-point flexural strength and elastic modulus compared to other larger laser spacings. Depending on the span width (0.3–1 mm) in the lattice architecture, the elastic modulus of the 3D-printed cuboid specimen can be further controlled (up to ∼30 times). The sand-blasted specimens after 3D printing revealed lower surface roughness and higher hydrophilicity compared to the as-3D printed specimen, which were considered optimal conditions for biological study. Initial hDF and hMSC adhesion for 12 hr and hMSC differentiation on the surface were comparable between the sand-blasted 3D-printed and machine-cut specimens in terms of adherent cell numbers, vinculin intensity, osteogenic gene expression and biomineralization. The optimized DLMS 3D-printed Ti-6Al-4V specimen had similar biological properties to those of the machine-cut counterpart, suggesting the potential usefulness of 3D printing technology for a wide range of dental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co 3 S 4 nanosheets on Ni foam (NS/NF) were prepared by sulfurization for various time after calcination of electrodeposited Co(OH) 2. In our FE-SEM images, we observed that Co 3 S 4 NS was vertically, or obliquely, deposited on the Ni foam. As a result, the structure contained more active sites, and active sites were highly accessible to the electrolyte for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Furthermore, results of XPS and XRD analysis confirmed S-conversion from Co 3 O 4 to Co 3 S 4 during sulfurization. 3-Co 3 S 4 NS/NF with sulfurization for 3 h exhibited the highest sulfur content, while Co 3 S 4 began to desulfurize to Co 9 S 8 after sulfurization for 4 h. The 3-Co 3 S 4 NS/NF electrocatalyst showed a lowest overpotential of 93 mV at −10 mA/cm2, with a Tafel slope of −55.1 mV/dec in N 2 -purged 1 M KOH. Also, the single cell anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) showed a high current density of 431 mA/cm2 with cell voltage 2.0 V cell at 40–45 °C. Image 1 • The Co 3 S 4 nanosheets on Ni foam was prepared by electrodeposition and sulfurization for various time. • The Co 3 S 4 nanosheets on Ni foam with sulfurization for 3 h indicated the highest sulfur content. • The Co 3 S 4 nanosheets on Ni foam with sulfurization for 3 h showed a lowest overpotential of 93 mV at −10 mA/cm2 in 1 M KOH. • The single cell anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) showed a high current density of 431 mA/cm2 at 2.0 V cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of surface roughness for improving interfacial adhesion in hybrid materials with aluminum (Al)/carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites (CFREC). The surface roughness of the Al was controlled using different types of sanding paper and varied sanding times. Al surface roughness were evaluated using static contact angle (CA) and 3D surface scanning measurements after the different sanding processes. Lap shear strength (LSS) tests were performed to evaluate the interfacial adhesion between CFREC and Al with the different Al surface treatments. The theoretical maximum cohesive strength (TMCS) and work of adhesion, W a between the Al and CFREC were correlated with surface energy of epoxy adhesive and LSS. The surface energy of epoxy adhesive and TMCS between CFREC and Al exhibited a proportional relationship. The TMCS was also directly related to the LSS between Al and CFREC. It was found that an optimum sanding process yielding a R a , 1.4 μm Al surface roughness exhibited the highest work of adhesion, as well as the largest LSS and TMCS for hybrids of Al-CFREC. Proper Al surface control in these materials shows real promise for enhancing the mechanical properties for aerospace, automotive and other practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette smoking is the major aetiologic factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lung fibroblasts are key participants in the maintenance of the extracellular matrix within the lung parenchyma. However, it still remains unknown how pulmonary fibroblasts are affected by cigarette smoking. Therefore, in this study, we isolated lung fibroblasts from mice and determined the apoptotic mechanism in response to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). When the lung fibroblasts were exposed to CSE, the generation of ROS was increased as shown by H2-DCFDA staining and Flow Cytometry. By immunocytochemistry, Ki67 expressing cells gradually decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The nitrite concentration in the supernatants increased, while the SOD activity and GSH recycling decreased in response to CSE. CSE increased the mRNA levels of TNF-α and COX-2, and the secretory proteins TNF-α and IL-6 increased as measured by ELISA. We next determined whether this inflammatory process is associated with the Bax/Bcl-2 apoptosis pathway. The Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio increased, and cleaved caspase-3 protein was activated in the lung fibroblasts treated with CSE. Moreover, CSE induced the phosphorylation of STAT1 at Tyr701/Ser727 and increased the activation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK in the MAPK pathway. Taken together, these data suggest that CSE-mediated inflammation alters the redox regulation via the MAPK-STAT1 pathway, leading to intrinsic apoptosis of lung fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Liberation of fermentable sugars from recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass is one of the key challenges in production of cellulosic ethanol. Here we developed a two-stage pretreatment process using aqueous ammonia and dilute sulfuric acid in a percolation mode to improve production of fermentable sugars from rice straw. Aqueous NH3 was used in the first stage which removed lignin selectively but left most of cellulose (97%) and hemicellulose (77%). Dilute acid was applied in the second stage which removed most of hemicellulose, partially disrupted the crystalline structure of cellulose, and thus enhanced enzymatic digestibility of cellulose in the solids remaining. Under the optimal pretreatment conditions, the enzymatic hydrolysis yields of the two-stage treated samples were 96.9% and 90.8% with enzyme loadings of 60 and 15FPU/g of glucan, respectively. The overall sugar conversions of cellulose and hemicellulose into glucose and xylose by enzymatic and acid hydrolysis reached 89.0% and 71.7%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Yeast dehydrogenases and reductases were overexpressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae D452-2 to detoxify 2-furaldehyde (furfural) and 5-hydroxymethyl furaldehyde (HMF), two potent toxic chemicals present in acid-hydrolyzed cellulosic biomass, and hence improve cell growth and ethanol production. Among those enzymes, aldehyde dehydrogenase 6 (ALD6) played the dual roles of direct oxidation of furan derivatives and supply of NADPH cofactor to their reduction reactions. Batch fermentation of S. cerevisiae D452-2/pH-ALD6 in the presence of 2g/L furfural and 0.5g/L HMF resulted in 20–30% increases in specific growth rate, ethanol concentration and ethanol productivity, compared with those of the wild type strain. It was proposed that overexpression of ALD6 could recover the yeast cell metabolism and hence increase ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass containing furan-derived inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pretreatment technology is a prerequisite to facilitate the release of sugars from a lignocellulosic biomass prior to fermentation. Recently, some pretreatment methods have been tried with ionic liquids, but they were still expensive and unpractical. In this study, an efficient pretreatment method using ammonia and ionic liquid was developed for the recovery of bio-digestible cellulose from a lignocellulosic byproduct, rice straw, and the increase of ionic liquid utilization. The combined use of ammonia and ionic liquid ([Emim]Ac) treatment exhibited a synergy effect for rice straw with 82% of the cellulose recovery and 97% of the enzymatic glucose conversion. This cooperative effect showed over 90% of the glucose conversion even with a reduced enzyme usage and incubation time. The ionic liquid was successfully recycled more than 20 times. The 20th-recycled ([Emim]Ac) showed 74% of the cellulose recovery and 78% of the glucose conversion to rice straw. Compared with the conventional pretreatment, our combined method for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment was an economical and eco-friendly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current status and challenges associated with the production and utilization of cellulosic ethanol in Korea are reviewed in this paper. Cellulosic ethanol has emerged as a promising option for mitigating Korea’s CO2 emissions and enhancing its energy security. Korea’s limited biomass resources is the most critical barrier to achieving its implementation targets for cellulosic ethanol. Efforts to identify new suitable biomass resources for cellulosic ethanol production are ongoing and intensive. Aquatic biomasses including macroalgae and plantation wastes collected in the Southeast Asia region have been found to have great potential as feedstocks for the production of cellulosic ethanol. R&D explorations into the development of technologies that can convert biomass materials to ethanol more efficiently also are underway. It is expected that cellulosic ethanol will be in supply from 2020 and that, by 2030, its use will have effectively reduced Korea’s total gasoline consumption by 10%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The immunomodulatory effects of Korean mistletoe lectin (KML), one of the major active components in Viscum album L. var. coloratum, were investigated in vitro in immune cell proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell- and macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity, and in vivo in the forced swim test and cold stress. In mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation of murine splenocytes, concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide significantly increased the proliferation of T cell and B cell lymphocytes, respectively. KML exposure increased lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogen. KML also increased the splenic NK cell and macrophage activities in vitro. Exposure to KML increased production of cytokines such as interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 by macrophages. Two-week treatment with KML (30, 100, 300 and 600μg/kg) increased the recruitment of lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages. In the forced swim test, the immobility time was significantly attenuated by treatment with KML (300 and 600μg/kg). In a cold stress experiment, spleen and thymus weight increased in KML-treated mice, while the weight of adrenal gland was lower than that in vehicle-treated mice. The levels of serum aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase were decreased by KML treatment. KML treatment also induced increases in the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in thymus. Our results suggest that KML enhances the immune system through modulation of lymphocytes, NK cells, and macrophages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electricity constitutes a natural biophysical component that preserves tissue homeostasis and modulates many biological processes, including the repair of damaged tissues. Wound healing involves intricate cellular events, such as inflammation, angiogenesis, matrix synthesis, and epithelialization whereby multiple cell types sense the environmental cues to rebuild the structure and functions. Here, we report that electricity auto-generating glucose-responsive enzymatic-biofuel-cell (EBC) skin patch stimulates the wound healing process. Rat wounded-skin model and in vitro cell cultures showed that EBC accelerated wound healing by modulating inflammation while stimulating angiogenesis, fibroblast fuctionality and matrix synthesis. Of note, EBC-activated cellular bahaviors were linked to the signalings involved with calcium influx, which predominantly dependent on the mechanosensitive ion channels, primarily Piezo1. Inhibition of Piezo1-receptor impaired the EBC-induced key functions of both fibroblasts and endothelial cells in the wound healing. This study highlights the significant roles of electricity played in wound healing through activated mechanosensitive ion channels and the calcium influx, and suggests the possibility of the electricity auto-generating EBC-based skin patch for use as a wound healing device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is considered as the most significant global public health crisis of the century. Several drug candidates have been suggested as potential therapeutic options for COVID-19, including remdesivir, currently the only authorized drug for use under an Emergency Use Authorization. However, there is only limited information regarding the safety profiles of the proposed drugs, in particular drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Here, we evaluated the antiviral activity and cardiotoxicity of remdesivir using cardiomyocytes-derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-CMs) as an alternative source of human primary cardiomyocytes (CMs). In this study, remdesivir exhibited up to 60-fold higher antiviral activity in hPSC-CMs compared to Vero E6 cells; however, it also induced moderate cardiotoxicity in these cells. To gain further insight into the drug-induced arrhythmogenic risk, we assessed QT interval prolongation and automaticity of remdesivir-treated hPSC-CMs using a multielectrode array (MEA). As a result, the data indicated a potential risk of QT prolongation when remdesivir is used at concentrations higher than the estimated peak plasma concentration. Therefore, we conclude that close monitoring of the electrocardiographic/QT interval should be advised in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients under remdesivir medication, in particular individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. Image 1 • Remdesivir potently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in hPSC-CMs with EC 50 at high nanomolar concentrations. • Remdesivir-induced arrhythmogenic risk in hPSC-CMs was evaluated by multi-electrode array-based assay. • Remdesivir exhibits potential cardiotoxicity in hPSC-CMs with CC 50 values close to the estimated peak plasma concentration. • Close monitoring of the electrocardiographic/QT interval should be advised in COVID-19 patients under remdesivir medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed membrane actuators from magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) with hard magnetic particles using a novel mold-free fabrication procedure. The fabrication method improved the manufacturing efficiency via doctor blading and the two-stage curing process. To evaluate the performances of the membrane actuators, we monitored changes in the properties of the MREs in terms of the crosslinking degree in their polymeric matrices. The microstructure, curing behavior, magnetic properties, and mechanical properties of MREs were measured using a scanning electron microscope, vibrating sample magnetometer, rheometer, uniaxial tensile testing system. Deflection of the membrane actuators was measured using a custom-designed deflection system. The saturation magnetization (M s) and remanence (B r) of MREs decreased as the crosslinking degree of matrices increased. Their elastic moduli (E) also decreased as the crosslinking degree increased. Meanwhile, in case of integrated analysis, an anisotropic sample with an initial curing time of five minutes exhibited the largest actual deflection, although the particles were aligned with the magnetic fields after crosslinking of 6.01% was achieved. By identifying the relationship between the properties of MREs and the crosslinking degree in its polymeric matrix, the MREs used to fabricate membrane actuators can be tailored for specific applications: pumps, valves, microlenses, and cell stimulators. Unlabelled Image • The novel mold-free with doctor blading and two-stage curing improved production efficiency of a magneto-active actuator. • The effect of matrix's crosslinking degree on magnetic and mechanical properties of the magneto-active actuator was analyzed. • The stiffness, remanence and saturation magnetization increased as the first curing time shortened. • Integrated analysis showed magneto-mechanical properties and emphasized the need for complex analyses to design the actuator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Harvest time affects ripening quality of kiwifruit cultivars. • Treating kiwifruit cultivars with 100 μL kg−1 ethylene improves ripening quality. • Harvesting red, gold and green cultivars at 160, 170 and 170 DAFB, ensure good ripening. • Shortest harvest time could reduce production cost and assist distributions. In this study, green 'Hayward', gold 'Haegeum' and red 'Hongyang' kiwifruit cultivars were harvested at 160, 170 and 180 days after full bloom (DAFB) and treated with 100 μL kg−1 ethylene to investigate the ripening quality at 25 °C. Significant (p < 0.05) interaction effects between cultivars and harvest times on firmness and firmness related parameters, biochemical parameters, physiological parameters, and overall sensory quality were observed during the study. The results of our study revealed that the ripening quality of kiwifruit cultivars could be influenced by harvest time. During ripening, similar increasing trends were observed for sucrose, glucose, fructose, and total simple sugars until 4 d ripening and maintained or slightly reduced afterward, irrespective of cultivar and harvest time. In addition, based on firmness and firmness related parameters (respiration rate, ethylene production rate, pectins and polygalacturonase (PG) activity), eating quality was attained by gold 'Haegeum' and red 'Hongyang' on the 2nd day of ripening, whereas green 'Hayward' attained eating quality on the 4th day, irrespective of harvest time. However, based on the lowest weight loss to attain eating quality during ripening, which avoids the risk of shriveling, we suggest to harvest red 'Hongyang', gold 'Haegeum' and green 'Hayward' at 160, 170 and 170 DAFB, respectively. The shortest possible harvest time without compromising quality, as observed in this study, could also help growers to reduce production cost and it assists further distributions to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposable PP-straws are cylindrical tubes composed of a thermoplastic film and are readily used as thermoplastic composites intermediate if carbon fiber (CF) is reinforced. Herein, we used PP-straw as a matrix material and developed a carbon fiber PP-straw prepreg (CSP) using CF reinforced materials. Disposable straws can be recycled to produce composites by using PP-straws, and the manufacturing process of the thermoplastic composite material is simplified. The CF content suitable for PP-straws was determined at 40 wt% by tensile strength and electrical resistance changes in pressurizing CSP. In manufacturing CSP, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed that the PP matrix was impregnated when the gap between the fibers was >5 μm, thus air texturing was used to widen the gap between the CF tows. Suitable fiber configurations for the CSP were formed at 4 kPa of air texturing pressure, and the CSP properties were degraded because of damaged fibers under higher-pressure conditions. The tensile impact and inter-laminar shear strengths (ILSS) were evaluated, and the improved properties of the CF PP-straw composites were confirmed with increasing fiber length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]