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In this study, Glutathione-responsive hydrogel, MIPs and their related NIPs were synthesized by precipitation polymerization method. Effect of HEMA/MAA and EGDMA/TRIM as functional monomer and crosslinking agents on size, morphology, drug loading and releasing were studied. BACy as a disulfide cross-linking agent was used in praparation of Glutathione-responsive hydrogel. The size and morphology of MIPs and NIPs were examined by FE-SEM technique. Results showed EGDMA-synthesized MIPs had the smaller size than TRIM-prepared MIPs. In order to measure the capacity of MIPs or NIPs for binding to cisplatin, static and dynamic adsorption experiments were done. The amounts of cisplatin were measured by HPLC method. The binding capacity of drug by MIPs is observed to be higher than NIPs. The EGDMA-synthesized polymers showed a high percentage of adsorption. NIPs were saturated much sooner than MIPs. In vitro release assays of cisplatin were done in PBS at pH = 7.4 and temperature of 37 °C. The results showed that increase of the amount of GSH cause to increase release of the drug from hydrogel.

Diets included high-fat (HFD) and high calories intake is correlated with greater risk of obesity and oxidative stress, which lead to increase the risk of related diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease. In the present study, we have examined the hypolipidemic activity of Hypericum Scabrum extract on HFD fed rats. Fifty-four male Wistar rats divided into six groups: 1) control, 2) H. Scabrum extract (100 mg/kg gavage per day), 3) H. Scabrum extract (300 mg/kg), 4) HFD, 5) HFD and H. Scabrum extract (100 mg/kg), 6) HFD and H. Scabrum extract (300 mg/kg). The groups were fed their diet and treatment for 3 months. Biochemical analysis showed elevated lipid serum profile in HFD rats compared to control group. H. Scabrum extract supplementation significantly ameliorated triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. H. Scabrum extract supplementation leading to increase HDL-cholesterol in HFD treated groups. This experiment showed that H. Scabrum extract decreased HFD complications and might be beneficial herbal drug for treatment of hyperlipidemia and obesity.

The purpose of this study was to prepare the affordable and novel materials as the efficient and effective antimicrobials. Therefore, the metal–organic framework (MOF) with the formula of [Zn(HCOO)3][C2H8N], polyethylene glycol (PEG), and nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) was chosen to synthesize the two novel mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). [Zn(HCOO)3][C2H8N]/PEG and N-CQDs@[Zn(HCOO)3][C2H8N]/PEG as the novel MMMs were simply synthesized in a few steps and their antimicrobial activity was investigated against the Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli). Furthermore, a novel method was used for the synthesis of [Zn(HCOO)3][C2H8N]. The particles were characterized by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the X-ray powder diffraction, the CHNS elemental analysis, and the field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of the particles were also studied. The result of MTT (methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay showed that these novel MMMs have a good biocompatibility unlike the MOF ([Zn(HCOO)3][C2H8N]) alone. Moreover, the [Zn(HCOO)3][C2H8N]/PEG has a moderate antimicrobial activity against E. coli under the irradiation of UV or the ambient light. However, N-CQDs@[Zn(HCOO)3][C2H8N]/PEG as the novel mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) has excellent antimicrobial activity without the presence of antibiotics which is due to its high quantum yield under the irradiation of UV light. Therefore, this research enhances the biocompatibility of [Zn(HCOO)3][C2H8N] through producing MMM. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of MOF/PEG was increased in terms of cost-effectiveness by encapsulating the N-CQDs.

Introduction: Osteoporosis falls among the major general health issues, specifically in the elderly, and is a widespread disease these days. According to various studies, good nutrition plays a significant role in osteoporosis prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was to conduct an extensive literature review on the effects of different nutrients to understand how macronutrients, micronutrients, and non-nutritive substances affect bone health. Methodology: To find relevant studies, the main keyword “osteoporosis” was searched in combination with “zinc,” “vitamin K,” “phosphorus,” “vitamin D,” “calcium,” “lipid,” “protein,” and “phytoestrogens” in PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, SID, and Iran Medex databases. Findings: The most important element for bone health is calcium, which has a direct link to the bone mass density (BMD). In the case of calcium deficiency, high phosphorus content can damage bone tissue. The acceptable ratio of phosphorus to calcium is 0.5-1.5:1. Vitamin D is another important nutrient for bones; serum levels of vitamin D less than 20 ng/ml reduce bone density and increase the risk of fracture. High protein intake results in calcium excretion and loss of bone mass. In addition, calcium deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis, specifically in the elderly. According to the literature, there is an inverse correlation between saturated fats and BMD. Vitamin K and magnesium deficiencies are correlated with BMD reduction and increased risk of osteoporosis. Copper and zinc are used as co-factors in the formation of collagen and elastin, and in mineralization of bone. As a result, deficiency of these elements may disrupt the process of incorporating minerals into the bone matrix. Conclusion: Good nutrition may play a significant role in osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Indeed, a healthy diet containing calcium (1,200 mg/day); vitamin D (600 IU); and certain amounts of protein, magnesium, and vitamin K can contribute greatly to bone health.

Prediction of the standard enthalpy of formation ΔfH0298 of boron nitride nanocone BNNCs structures with disclination angles 60°, 120°, and 180°is recommended to be performed by the isodesmic reaction approach. NH3, BH3, and N2H4 were selected as key reference compounds. In order to calculate ΔfH0298 of nanocones, we must first calculate the enthalpies of nanocone rings at their apexes. For this purpose, ΔfH0298 values of 40 different structures, such as boron, nitrogen, and hydrogen compounds, have been calculated by combining Gaussian-4 G4 theory calculations with the isodesmic and other balanced reactions approach. At each stage of the calculations, the previously estimated enthalpies of formation of nanocones were used as reference points for new molecules in the isodesmic and other balanced reactions. The results of enthalpies of formation of reference compounds were then used as reference values to estimate the enthalpy of formation of rings of BNNCs at their apexes. Finally, enthalpies of formation of BNNCs with disclination angles of 60°, 120°, and 180°and cone heights of 1-5 Å, 3-7 Å, and 4-8 Å were calculated. The results show that the reactions are highly exothermic. An increase in cone height causes the enthalpy of formation of boron nitride nanocone structures to become more negative.

Consumption of dietary lignans has been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases, although the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We sought to determine if urinary excretion of ENL, the predominant microbial metabolite of dietary lignans, was associated with plasma protein abundance using a cross-sectional design based on data and plasma collected from 80 healthy participants in a randomized crossover, controlled feeding study. Proteomic analysis was performed on plasma samples collected at the end of each of two diet periods (160 samples total) using a customized antibody array corresponding to 2072 unique proteins. GC-MS was used to measure ENL excretion in 24-h urine samples collected in tandem with plasma. Linear mixed models tested the association between urinary enterolignan excretion and plasma protein abundance. Subsequently, over-representation analysis was conducted considering 17 a priori pathways with putative associations with enterolignan bioactivity in an exploratory approach. Controlling the false discovery rate at 10%, ENL excretion was inversely associated with seven proteins (FCRL5, PSCA, GAB1, LAPTM5, CCS, REG4, CEACAM1), and positively associated with two proteins (WAS and FBLN5). Over-representation analysis revealed associations of ENL excretion with estrogen and TNF signaling pathways, which were not significant after adjustment for false discovery. These ENL-associated proteins and pathways have potential implications in cancer prevention.

BACKGROUND: Low–glycemic load dietary patterns, characterized by consumption of whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, are associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases. METHODS: Using samples from a randomized, controlled, crossover feeding trial, we evaluated the effects on metabolic profiles of a low-glycemic whole-grain dietary pattern (WG) compared with a dietary pattern high in refined grains and added sugars (RG) for 28 d. LC-MS-based targeted metabolomics analysis was performed on fasting plasma samples from 80 healthy participants (n = 40 men, n = 40 women) aged 18–45 y. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate differences in response between diets for individual metabolites. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)–defined pathways and 2 novel data-driven analyses were conducted to consider differences at the pathway level. RESULTS: There were 121 metabolites with detectable signal in >98% of all plasma samples. Eighteen metabolites were significantly different between diets at day 28 [false discovery rate (FDR)

Gallium nitride (GaN) high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are a promising technology for high-efficiency and high-power density applications. In this paper, a stacked three-port three-level converter (STPTLC) using GaN switches is proposed for interfacing the renewable energy sources (RESs) with load for applications that the presence of energy storage device is necessary. Derived from the asymmetrical bidirectional half-bridge (ABHB) converter, the proposed converter presents valuable advantages in terms of simple control scheme, extended soft-switching over a wide range of operating conditions, and reduced voltage stress across switches. The soft-switching for all switches at turn-on instant is guaranteed, thanks to the active clamp configuration, resulting in the high-efficiency performance. The pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) plus phase-shift control technique paves the way for decoupled regulation of the output voltage and power by presenting two control freedoms, which allows the input voltage to vary in a wide range. To diminish the current stress of switches and minimize the conduction loss, the root-mean-square (rms) current of inductance and the boundary condition of the phase-shift controller in different operation cases are studied. Finally, the experimental results of a 1-kW, 100-kHz prototype of STPTLC using GaN switches are given to confirm the validity of the proposed concept.

Ytterbium monosilicate (Yb2SiO5) powder was successfully synthesized by the solid-state diffusional process at a low temperature (1350 °C) to serve as an environmental barrier coating (EBC). The stabilization procedure of the synthesized powder in the spray drying process was also presented. The synthesized monosilicate powder was used as a starting material in the EBC development. Ytterbium monosilicate coating was applied on the SiC/C ceramic composite substrate using the conventional atmospheric plasma spray (APS) technique. XRD analysis of the synthesized powder after the spray drying process showed a complete reaction between silica (SiO2) nanoparticles and ytterbium oxide (Yb2O3), leading to the formation of Yb2SiO5 without any side-product. Powder morphology, the corresponding elemental analysis of the spray-dried powder, and the microstructure of monosilicate coatings on the SiC/C substrate were investigated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The particle size distribution of the spherical powder was found to be in the range of 20–80 μm. The thickness of the Yb2SiO5 coating was also in the range of 60–70 μm.

An efficient protocol for the facile synthesis of a series of pyrido[2,3- d]pyrimidine derivatives has been developed applying Fe3O4–ZnO–NH2–PW12O40 nanocatalyst in water. This novel method has the benefits of operational simplicity, green aspects by avoiding toxic solvents and high to excellent yields of products. Fe3O4–ZnO–NH2–PW12O40 was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The nanocatalyst is readily isolated and recovered from the reaction mixture by an external magnet.

A gallium nitride (GaN) power switching module with extended rated voltage is proposed for electric vehicle power conditioning system. Limited breakdown voltage of GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) hinders their usage in high-voltage applications. The presented GaN module is composed of two series-stacked enhancement-mode HEMTs for the purpose of duplicating the breakdown voltage. An integrated series-switch driver (SSD) is used to drive the stacked eHEMTs. The SSD provides adequate gate charge for both HEMTs in the module, and guarantees balanced voltage sharing between the devices during the switching transitions and steady state. The operation principle of the module is described thoroughly, and an analytical model has been derived considering parasitic inductances. Simulation analysis is carried out to study the performance of the SSD in various conditions. Also, the effect of variation in the SSD parameters on the gate–source voltage oscillation is investigated. Finally, an experimental setup of a bidirectional boost converter with two 1.3-kV GaN eHEMT modules is developed and tested under various scenarios. Moreover, a loss comparison between the proposed 1.3-kV GaN module and a 1.2-kV SiC MOSFET is carried out. The simulation and experimental results show that the developed GaN eHEMT module has satisfying dynamic and static performance with less than 10% voltage mismatch during the steady-state period for all scenarios. Also, the GaN module proved to have 35%–55% lower power loss (for different switching frequencies) compared to the SiC MOSFET counterpart.

Digestive system cancer tumors are one of the major causes of cancer-related fatalities; the vast majority of them are colorectal or gastric malignancies. Epidemiological evidence confirmed that allium-containing food, such as garlic, reduces the risk of developing malignancies. Among all compounds in garlic, allicin has been most researched, as it contains sulfur and produces many second degradation compounds, such as sulfur dioxide, diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl trisulfide (DATS), and diallyl disulfide (DADS) in the presence of enzymatic reactions in gastric juice. These substances have shown anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer efficacy, including gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, leukemia, and skin cancers. Herein, we summarize the therapeutic potential of allicin in the treatment of GI cancers.

The use of decellularized whole-organ scaffolds for bioengineering of organs is a promising avenue to circumvent the shortage of donor organs for transplantation. However, recellularization of acellular scaffolds from multicellular organs like the lung with a variety of different cell types remains a challenge. Multipotent cells could be an ideal cell source for recellularization. Here we investigated the hierarchical differentiation process of multipotent ES-derived endoderm cells into proximal airway epithelial cells on acellular lung scaffolds. The first cells to emerge on the scaffolds were TP63+ cells, followed by TP63+/KRT5+ basal cells, and finally multi-ciliated and secretory airway epithelial cells. TP63+/KRT5+ basal cells on the scaffolds simultaneously expressed KRT14, like basal cells involved in airway repair after injury. Removal of TP63 by CRISPR/Cas9 in the ES cells halted basal and airway cell differentiation on the scaffolds. These findings suggest that differentiation of ES-derived endoderm cells into airway cells on decellularized lung scaffolds proceeds via TP63+ basal cell progenitors and tracks a regenerative repair pathway. Understanding the process of differentiation is key for choosing the cell source for repopulation of a decellularized organ scaffold. Our data support the use of airway basal cells for repopulating the airway side of an acellular lung scaffold.

Unintended cardiac fibroblast proliferation in many pathophysiological heart conditions, known as cardiac fibrosis, results in pooling of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the heart muscle. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) as a pivotal cytokine/growth factor stimulates fibroblasts and hastens ECM production in injured tissues. The TGF-β receptor is a heterodimeric receptor complex on the plasma membrane, made up from TGF-β type I, as well as type II receptors, giving rise to Smad2 and Smad3 transcription factors phosphorylation upon canonical signaling. Phosphorylated Smad2, Smad3, and cytoplasmic Smad4 intercommunicate to transfer the signal to the nucleus, culminating in provoked gene transcription. Additionally, TGF-β receptor complex activation starts up non-canonical signaling that lead to the mitogen-stimulated protein kinase cascade activation, inducing p38, JNK1/2 (c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2), and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2) signaling. TGF-β not only activates fibroblasts and stimulates them to differentiate into myofibroblasts, which produce ECM proteins, but also promotes fibroblast proliferation. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are important regulators of numerous pathways along with cellular procedures. MicroRNAs and circular long ncRNAs, combined with long ncRNAs, are capable of affecting TGF-β/Smad signaling, leading to cardiac fibrosis. More comprehensive knowledge based on these processes may bring about new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for different cardiac disorders.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammalian organs and tissues has been applied as a substitute scaffold to simplify the restoration and reconstruction of several tissues. Such scaffolds are prepared in various arrangements including sheets, powders, and hydrogels. One of the more applicable processes is using natural scaffolds, for this purpose discarded tissues or organs are naturally derived by processes that comprised decellularization of following tissues or organs. Protection of the complex structure and 3D (three dimensional) ultrastructure of the ECM is extremely necessary but it is predictable that all protocols of decellularization end in disruption of the architecture and potential loss of surface organization and configuration. Tissue decellularization with conservation of ECM bioactivity and integrity can be improved by providing well-designed protocols regarding the agents and decellularization techniques operated during processing. An overview of the characterization of decellularized scaffolds and the role of reagnets can validate the applied methods' efficacy.

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver necrosis is a form of regulated cell death (RCD) in which APAP activates the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and specifically the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, leading to necrotic cell death. Previously, we have shown that receptor interacting protein kinase-1 (RIPK1) knockdown is also protective against APAP RCD upstream of JNK. However, whether the kinase or platform function of RIPK1 is involved in APAP RCD is not known. To answer this question, we used genetic mouse models of targeted hepatocyte RIPK1 knockout (RIPK1HepCKO) or kinase dead knock-in (RIPK1D138N) and adult hepatocyte specific knockout of the cytoprotective protein A20 (A20HepCKO), known to interact with RIPK1, to study its potential involvement in MAPK signaling. We observed no difference in injury between WT and RIPK1D138N mice post APAP. However, RIPK1HepCKO was protective. We found that RIPK1HepCKO mice had attenuated pJNK activation, while A20 was simultaneously upregulated. Conversely, A20HepCKO markedly worsened liver injury from APAP. Mechanistically, we observed a significant upregulation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and increased JNK activation in A20HepCKO mice compared with littermate controls. We also demonstrated that A20 coimmunoprecipitated (co-IP) with both RIPK1 and ASK1, and that in the presence of RIPK1, there was less A20-ASK1 association than in its absence. We conclude that the kinase-independent platform function of RIPK1 is involved in APAP toxicity. Adult RIPK1HepCKO mice are protected against APAP by upregulating A20 and attenuating JNK signaling through ASK1, conversely, A20HepCKO worsens injury from APAP.

Armchair single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), which were doped with B, N, Al, Si, P, Co, and Ni, have been studied using computational simulations based on density functional theory (DFT). The topological analysis and the electron localization function show that the nature of the interaction between carbon atoms and the dopant X atoms is not purely covalent or an ionic. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between X atoms and C atoms, calculations of natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, bond order analysis, atomic charge analysis, and electrostatic potential (ESP) on the van der Waals (vdW) surfaces of molecules are required. The Natural population analysis (NPA), Hirshfeld and atomic dipole moment corrected Hirshfeld (ADCH) atomic charges and molecular electrostatic potential maps on vdW surfaces of C79H20Xs show that ESP values are in good agreement with ADCH values. The calculations of The Laplacian bond order (LBO), Mayer bond order (MBO) and Fuzzy bond order (FBO) illustrate that LBO has a strong correlation with the bond length. In addition, the calculations show that Fermi energies of the pristine C (5, 5) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and all doped CNTs are equal to the energies of their highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). This work presents a comparison about the bonding characteristic between the doped atoms (X) and carbon atoms.

In this research, a theoretical study on the structural properties and reactivity of the Melphalan anticancer drug with G0 polyamidoamine dendrimer is provided in both phases of the gas and solvent. Computational simulations for the Melphalan, dendrimer and molphalan-dendrimer were performed at the level of B3LYP/6-31G using Gaussian 09. The reaction between Melphalan and polyamidoamine is based on EDC-NHS Cross-linking. In order to describe the nature of the reaction and the binding properties between of the melphalan drug and G0 dendrimer, molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO), natural bond orbital analysis (NBO), topological analysis, global reactivity parameters, analysis of bond length and bond order, and density of states was calculated and compared in both phases of gas and solvent.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • IF could significantly modify pathological effects of distress on brain and adrenal glands. • In distressful condition, IF leads to reduce the plasma level of the stress hormone (CORT). • IF has an inhibitory effect on neuro-inflammation caused by distress. • IF could strongly improve learning and memory function in distressful condition., Undesirable and desirable effects of stressors on the body are assigned to distress and eustress, respectively. Immune system and brain are the most susceptible parts to stressful conditions, whereas long-lasting alterations in putative immune proteins involved in tension such as corticosterone (CORT), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) can impact learning and memory. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a repeated regular cycle of dietary restriction with well-known beneficial properties on the body. The aim of this study was to identify the eustress effects of IF on cognitive function by assessing the critical inflammatory factors in chronic distress. Forty male mice were divided into four groups (n = 10/group). Distress and control normally received food and water, whereas IF and IF with distress groups were daily deprived of food and water for two hours. In the second week, the electrical foot shock was induced to distress and IF with distress groups. Finally, the cognitive functions of all mice were evaluated by Barnes maze, their blood samples were taken to determine the plasma level of CORT, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the removed brain and adrenal glands were weighed in the third week. A significant gain in plasma level of CORT, IL-6 and TNF-α with a considerable brain hypotrophy and adrenal hypertrophy was found in distress group, whereas IF caused a remarkable reduction of the plasma inflammatory factors, especially in IF with distress mice (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, IF could improve cognitive function and preserve the brain against distress by regulation of inflammatory response pathway.

Ag/TiO2/freeze-dried graphene nanocomposites have been prepared via a facile one-step solvothermal method for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation. During the solvothermal process, reduction of graphene oxide and loading of Ag/TiO2 nanoparticles on graphene sheets were achieved. Investigation of chemical state of products showed that covering of Ag/TiO2 surface with higher weight ratio of graphene resulting in that Ag metals in Ag/TiO2 were oxidized to Ag2O in nanocomposite structure after solvothermal process. Degree of photocatalytic activity enhancement strongly depends on the coverage of Ag/TiO2 surface by porous graphene. The sample of 1 wt% porous graphene hybridized Ag/TiO2 showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which is related to high migration efficiency of photo-induced of electrons and reduction of electron–hole recombination rate due to high electrical conductivity of graphene. Expanding of absorption to visible light region was ascribed to surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag metals and presence of graphene. Investigation of photocatalytic performance of formic acid as a dye-less organic pollutant showed that dye sensitization effect of RhB molecules during evaluation of photocatalytic performance was negligible.

The precise molecular alterations driving castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) are not clearly understood. Using a novel network-based integrative approach, here, we show distinct alterations in the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) to be critical for CRPC. Expression of HBP enzyme glucosamine-phosphate N-acetyltransferase 1 (GNPNAT1) is found to be significantly decreased in CRPC compared with localized prostate cancer (PCa). Genetic loss-of-function of GNPNAT1 in CRPC-like cells increases proliferation and aggressiveness, in vitro and in vivo. This is mediated by either activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway in cells expressing full-length androgen receptor (AR) or by specific protein 1 (SP1)-regulated expression of carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) in cells containing AR-V7 variant. Strikingly, addition of the HBP metabolite UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) to CRPC-like cells significantly decreases cell proliferation, both in-vitro and in animal studies, while also demonstrates additive efficacy when combined with enzalutamide in-vitro. These observations demonstrate the therapeutic value of targeting HBP in CRPC., The molecular alterations driving anti-androgen resistance in prostate cancer are unclear. Here, the authors show, using a network-based approach, that inhibition of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway is necessary to develop resistance and that increasing the activity of the pathway enhances the anti-androgen response.

Utilization of ionizing rays such as gamma-ray in polymers to correct their properties has attracted a great deal of attention from researchers. Accordingly, in this study, composites consisting of three different polypropylene melt flow indices as the composite matrix, maleic anhydride as the compatibilizer material, and poplar wood as the filler were exposed different doses of gamma-ray radiation in a variety of 0–75 kGy. The main purpose of this study is to investigatie the probable benefits of gamma-ray radiation for improving some of the physical and mechanical properties of composites and to investigate their morphological and thermal properties. The results indicated that the physical and mechanical properties could be improved significantly by increasing the melt flow index of the polypropylene. Also, radiation of gamma-ray improved the physical and mechanical properties of wood polymer composites while reducing the thermal stability. The uniformity of the micrographs obtained from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the interaction between the polymer and wood fibers.

Dense Yb2SiO5 and three types of Yb2SiO5-YSZ composite specimens, as an environmental barrier coating, were prepared using pressureless sintering process at 1600 °C for 10 h. Hot corrosion behaviors of the sintered specimens were investigated in the presence of calcium–magnesium-aluminosilicate (CMAS) at 1400 °C for 4, 8, 24 and 48 h. Phase change identification, cross-sectional microstructure, reaction layer thickness, and elemental distribution, of the different samples during hot corrosion was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped by EDS. Mechanical properties of synthesized samples include elastic modulus, hardness and microhardness were measured by the nanoindentation method. The results showed that the reaction layer of all composite samples was smaller than that of the Yb2SiO5 sample. Formation of dense Al5Yb3O12 and Al5Y3O12 phases in the reaction layer can reduce the infiltration of molten CMAS into the samples, which mean better hot corrosion resistance of composite samples. Yb2SiO5-30 wt%YSZ composite sample showed better performance in contrast to the composite samples because of the high concentration of dissolved Y3+ ion in the glassy CMAS which promotes the formation of the barrier oxide phases (Ca2Al2SiO7, Ca3ZrSi2O9) and protective garnet phases (Al5Yb3O12) in the reaction layer.

In this paper, the effect of toner particles as a waste material on the fabrication and properties of aluminum oxide layers was investigated. To achieve this purpose, a process of phosphoric acid/toner particle anodizing was performed. The concentration of toner particles in the anodizing bath changed from 3 to 10 g/L. The microstructure, the chemical composition, the electrochemical and mechanical properties of the produced layers were investigated. Filed emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images depicted that by the presence of toner particles in the anodizing bath, the mean diameter of pores for oxide layers decreased 5–30% and the mean thickness of the cell wall for layers increased about 1.25–3 times. Both polarization and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS) tests results showed that the corrosion protection of produced oxide layers increased in the presence of toner particles. When the concentration of toner particles in the bath was 10 g/L, the wear rate and friction coefficient reduced significantly compared to other oxide layers. Such behavior was attributed to the changes in the morphology and the hardness of the produced oxide layer. In addition, the suggested wear mechanism changed to abrasive and little adhesive wear mode when the toner particles added to the anodizing bath. Moreover, the highest indentation toughness with the value of 2.1 MPam0.5 was related to the aluminum oxide layer when the concentration of toner particles in the bath was 3 g/L.

Background Pathway enrichment extensively used in the analysis of Omics data for gaining biological insights into the functional roles of pre-defined subsets of genes, proteins and metabolites. A large number of methods have been proposed in the literature for this task. The vast majority of these methods use as input expression levels of the biomolecules under study together with their membership in pathways of interest. The latest generation of pathway enrichment methods also leverages information on the topology of the underlying pathways, which as evidence from their evaluation reveals, lead to improved sensitivity and specificity. Nevertheless, a systematic empirical comparison of such methods is still lacking, making selection of the most suitable method for a specific experimental setting challenging. This comparative study of nine network-based methods for pathway enrichment analysis aims to provide a systematic evaluation of their performance based on three real data sets with different number of features (genes/metabolites) and number of samples. Results The findings highlight both methodological and empirical differences across the nine methods. In particular, certain methods assess pathway enrichment due to differences both across expression levels and in the strength of the interconnectedness of the members of the pathway, while others only leverage differential expression levels. In the more challenging setting involving a metabolomics data set, the results show that methods that utilize both pieces of information (with NetGSA being a prototypical one) exhibit superior statistical power in detecting pathway enrichment. Conclusion The analysis reveals that a number of methods perform equally well when testing large size pathways, which is the case with genomic data. On the other hand, NetGSA that takes into consideration both differential expression of the biomolecules in the pathway, as well as changes in the topology exhibits a superior performance when testing small size pathways, which is usually the case for metabolomics data.

In this paper a high-voltage enhancement-mode Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT)-based module is presented for medium voltage shipboard power systems applications. Series-stacked lateral enhancement-mode GaN HEMTs with integrated quasi-active gate driver are the base for the proposed GaN module. This structure consists of passive components and just one gate driver to control all of the devices. Test results showed an acceptable synchronization of gate voltage and consequently small delay between the drain-source voltage of the two devices during switching transitions using the proposed gate controller. An application of a bi-directional boost converter, that can be used as an interface between the medium voltage and low voltage buses onboard the ship using the proposed GaN module, was demonstrated. Simulation and test results verified the idea.

A novel carbon paste electrode modified with a magnetic core–shell Fe3O4@SiO2/MWCNT nanocomposite and an ionic liquid (n-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoro phosphate) was fabricated. The electrochemical study of the modified electrode, as well as its efficiency for the simultaneous voltammetric oxidation of amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide is described. The electrode was also employed to study the electrochemical oxidation of amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide, using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and square wave voltammetry as diagnostic techniques. Square wave voltammetry exhibited linear dynamic ranges from 2.5 × 10−7 to 5.0 × 10−4 M and 1.0 × 10−6 to 6.0 × 10−4 M for amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide, respectively. Finally, the modified electrode was used for the determination of amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide in real samples.

Quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory method were performed on two pyrimidine derivatives which may be used as corrosion inhibitors for austenitic stainless steel. The quantum chemical properties of the two pyrimidine derivatives that are most relevant to their potential action as corrosion inhibitors have been calculated. To explain the inhibition performance of the pyrimidine derivatives, their local reactivities were analyzed through Fukui functions. The binding energies of the inhibitors with the surface of austenitic stainless steels were studied. A model has been suggested to calculate the approximate inhibition efficiencies of the pyrimidine derivatives. All calculations were carried out in both gas and liquid phases.

We present the kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of O (3P) with CH3NH2. Geometries of all the stationary points involved in the reaction have been investigated at the B3LYP/6-311+G (d, p) level. We report the potential energy surface for all of the possible pathways by the Gaussian-2 G3B3 method. This is the first time one has gained a conclusive insight into the detailed mechanism and kinetics for this reaction. Using the Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory, we have computed the rate constants for channels leading to several products over the temperature range 298–440 K. The main reaction channel is found to be addition of an oxygen atom to CH3NH2 followed by migration of an H atom from N to O atoms and loss of H2O, which agrees with experimental results (Slagle, Dudich, and Gutman (1979) J. Phys. Chem., 83). As experimental data are available for this reaction, we are able to conclude that our thermal rate constants are in agreement over a wide range of temperatures.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of diets high in refined grains on biliary and colonic bile acids have been investigated extensively. However, the effects of diets high in whole versus refined grains on circulating bile acids, which can influence glucose homeostasis and inflammation through activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5), have not been studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis from a randomized controlled crossover feeding trial (NCT00622661) in 80 healthy adults (40 women/40 men, age 18–45 years) from the greater Seattle Area, half of which were normal weight (BMI 18.5–25.0 kg/m(2)) and half overweight to obese (BMI 28.0–39.9 kg/m(2)). Participants consumed two four-week controlled diets in randomized order: 1) a whole grain diet (WG diet), designed to be low in glycemic load (GL), high in whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables, and 2) a refined grain diet (RG diet), designed to be high GL, high in refined grains and added sugars, separated by a four-week washout period. Quantitative targeted analysis of 55 bile acid species in fasting plasma was performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Concentrations of glucose, insulin, and CRP were measured in fasting serum. Linear mixed models were used to test the effects of diet on bile acid concentrations, and determine the association between plasma bile acid concentrations and HOMA-IR and CRP. Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 was used to control for multiple testing. RESULTS: A total of 29 plasma bile acids were reliably detected and retained for analysis. Taurolithocholic acid (TLCA), taurocholic acid (TCA) and glycocholic acid (GCA) were statistically significantly higher after the WG compared to the RG diet (FDR

Enterolignans, products of gut bacterial metabolism of plant lignans, have been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases, but their association with other plasma metabolites is unknown. We examined plasma metabolite profiles according to urinary enterolignan excretion in a cross-sectional analysis using data from a randomized crossover, controlled feeding study. Eighty healthy adult males and females completed two 28-day feeding periods differing by glycemic load, refined carbohydrate, and fiber content. Lignan intake was calculated from food records using a polyphenol database. Targeted metabolomics was performed by LC-MS on plasma from fasting blood samples collected at the end of each feeding period. Enterolactone (ENL) and enterodiol, were measured in 24 h urine samples collected on the penultimate day of each study period using GC-MS. Linear mixed models were used to test the association between enterolignan excretion and metabolite abundances. Pathway analyses were conducted using the Global Test. Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) was used to control for multiple testing. Of the metabolites assayed, 121 were detected in all samples. ENL excretion was associated positively with plasma hippuric acid and melatonin, and inversely with epinephrine, creatine, glycochenodeoxycholate, and glyceraldehyde (P < 0.05). Hippuric acid only satisfied the FDR of q < 0.1. END excretion was associated with myristic acid and glycine (q < 0.5). Two of 57 pathways tested were associated significantly with ENL, ubiquinone and terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, and inositol phosphate metabolism. These results suggest a potential role for ENL or ENL-metabolizing gut bacteria in regulating plasma metabolites.

The dimerization reactions of 4, 7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen) and bathocuproine (BCP) were studied theoretically. In this work, the molecular geometries, BPhen and BCP monomers, positively charged BPhen and BCP intermediates, and BPhen and BCP dimers were calculated in neutral state at different levels of ab initio methods for the dimerization reactions. The molecular geometries of the BPhen and the BCP monomers and their dimers in their cationic and anionic states were optimized using the B3LYP/6-31G(d) method. The π orbitals interactions in the phenyl groups are responsible for the shortening of the C6-N1 and C7-N1 bond distances in BPhen and BCP dimers. The large difference between the reorganization energy components of BCP dimer for hole transport process is due to larger energy required to reorganize C5C4N2C6 and C8C1N1C7 angles. The methyl groups and the phenyl rings act as sterically hindering groups in the BPhen and BCP dimers. In contrast to BPhen dimer where its electron hopping rate is less than BPhen monomer, the magnitude of electron hopping rate of BCP dimer is 12 times higher than BCP monomer.

OBJECTIVES: Dietary patterns high in fiber from sources including whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, are associated with lower risk of chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. We investigated how plasma lipidomics profiles differed between a diet high in whole grains (WG) versus a diet high in refined grains and added sugars (RG). METHODS: Using a randomized, crossover, controlled feeding study, 80 healthy participants (n = 40 men, n = 40 women, 40 normal weight, 40 overweight/obese), 18–45 y, were randomized to receive either a WG or RG diet for 28 days. After a 28-day washout period where participants resumed their habitual diet, they crossed over to the other diet. Targeted, differential mobility mass spectrometry was performed on fasting plasma samples collected at the baseline and end of each diet period and quantified the concentrations of 863 lipids from 13 classes. Paired t-tests and pairwise partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to evaluate differences in lipid profiles between the two diets. RESULTS: At a class level, only ceramides were significantly different when comparing the two diets. After removing lipid species with > 20% missing values or CVs

A highly sensitive, accurate and simple spectrophotometric method was established for determination of naproxen (NAP). The method involved ion-pair complex formation between naproxen and bromophenol blue (BPB). The colored product was measured at 432 nm. The reaction conditions were optimized. The absorbance was found to increase linearly with increase in concentration of NAP which was corroborated by correlation coefficient value. Beer’s law was obeyed in the concentration range of 1-110 µg mL-1 with molar absorptivity of 9.756×103 L mol-1 cm-1. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) for the proposed method are 0.292 and 0.973 µg mL-1, respectively. Recovery of the method was carried out by standard addition method. Recovery studies and statistical data proved the accuracy, reproducibility and the precision of the proposed method. The common excipients did not interfere in this analysis. Hence the method is useful for routine estimation of naproxen in pharmaceutical formulation and human serum samples.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder assumed to involve different areas of CNS and PNS. In PD patients and in primates with experimental Parkinsonism indicating that retinal dopamine deficiency is an important factor in the pathogenesis of PD visual dysfunction. Visual signs and symptoms of PD may include defects in eye movement, pupillary function, and in more complex visual tasks. In this study, we evaluated the areas involved in visual cortex in PD by diffusion tensor imaging to assess the structural change in PD.

A novel ultrasound-air-assisted demulsified liquid–liquid microextraction by solidification of a floating organic droplet (UAAD-LLM-SFO) followed by HPLC-UV detection was developed for the analysis of three antifungal drugs in water and biological samples. In this method, 1-dodecanol was used as the extraction solvent. The emulsion was rapidly formed by pulling in and pushing out the mixture of sample solution and extraction solvent for 5 times repeatedly using a 10-mL glass syringe while sonication was performed. Therefore, an organic dispersive solvent required in common microextraction methods was not used in the proposed method. After dispersing, an aliquot of acetonitrile was introduced as a demulsifier solvent into the sample solution to separate two phases. Therefore, some additional steps, such as the centrifugation, ultrasonication, or agitation of the sample solution, are not needed. Parameters influencing the extraction recovery were investigated. The proposed method showed a good linearity for the three antifungal drugs studied with the correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.9995). The limits of detection (LODs) and the limits of the quantification (LOQs) were between 0.01–0.03 μg L−1 and 0.03–0.08 μg L−1, respectively. The preconcentration factors (PFs) were in the range of 107–116, respectively. The precisions, as the relative standard deviations (RSDs) (n = 5), for inter-day and intra-day analysis were in the range of 2.1–4.5% and 6.5–8.5%, respectively. This method was successfully applied to determine the three antifungal drugs in tap water and biological samples. The recoveries of antifungal drugs in these samples were 92.4–98.5%.

Flavonoids accumulate in plants in response to water deficit. Changes in amount, type, and localization of flavonoids under different drought conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana have not been well investigated. Therefore, in this study flavonoid patterns were investigated under water potentials of -0.2, -0.5, and -0.9 MPa at 0, 24, 48, 120, and 192 h after drought induction. Determination of amount and type of flavonoids was performed by HPLC and spectroscopy. In addition, localization of flavonoids was detected by DPBA staining and a fluorescent microscope. Only quercetin and kaempferol were detected in hydrolyzed extracts of roots and shoots. The maximum amounts of the above-mentioned flavonols were detected under severe drought stress. Under all drought conditions, there was more kaempferol than quercetin. Moreover, amounts of both flavonols and total flavonoids were greater in roots than in shoots. Different fluorescence intensities of the flavonoid-DPBA complex were observed in all seedlings from shoots to root tips. The results of this study suggest that flavonoid responses of Arabidopsis to drought stress are dynamic, and intensity and duration of drought stress could play a key role in determination of type, amount, and localization of flavonoids in response to different levels of water deficit.

The syntheses of 3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio)acrylic acid and 3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio)propanoic acid, mitochondria-targeted prodrugs of the antioxidant methimazole, are described. The method of Fan et al. (Fan et al., Synthesis 2006, 2286) for the reaction of phenols with propiolic acid and propiolate esters was modified to synthesize (E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio)acrylic acid. The intermediate tert-butyl (E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio)acrylate was prepared by the reaction of tert-butyl propiolate with methimazole; the use of tert-butyl propiolate rather than methyl propiolate gave tert-butyl (E)-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio)acrylate as the predominant isomer. Acid hydrolysis of the intermediate ester afforded the target compound. 3-(1-Methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio)propanoic acid was synthesized from 3-bromopropanoic acid and methimazole under conditions that gave preferential substitution on sulfur and minimized substitution on nitrogen.

(Bu 4 N) 7 H 3 [P 2 W 18 Cd 4 (Br) 2 O 68 ]–TiO 2 nanocomposite have been synthesized first by reaction of A-β-Na 8 HPW 9 O 34 with cadmium nitrate and next condensation with titanium tetraisopropoxide at 100 °C via sol–gel method under oil-bath condition. The materials characterized by 113 Cd NMR, 31 P NMR, XRD, TEM and UV–vis techniques. The crushed nano leaf of anatase phase is 20 nm in nature and fixing of (Bu 4 N) 7 H 3 [P 2 W 18 Cd 4 (Br) 2 O 68 ] decreases its size. As seen in TEM image, the nano particles of (Bu 4 N) 7 H 3 [P 2 W 18 Cd 4 (Br) 2 O 68 ]–TiO 2 are small with a size of about 10 nm. This anatase nanocomposite polyoxometalate was shown be able to oxidative desulfurization of simulated gas oil with high yield.