Search

Purpose: Nuclear accumulation of YAP/TAZ promotes tumorigenesis in several cancers, including melanoma. Although the mechanisms underlying the nuclear retention of YAP are known, those underlying the retention of TAZ remain unclear. Our study investigates a novel acetylation/deacetylation switch in TAZ, governing its subcellular localization in melanoma tumorigenesis. Methods: Immunoprecipitation/Western blot assessed TAZ protein interactions and acetylation. SIRT5 activity was quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunofluorescence indicated TAZ nuclear localization. TEAD transcriptional activity was measured through luciferase reporter assays. ChIP detected TAZ binding to the CTGF promoter. Transwell and wound healing assays quantified melanoma cell invasiveness and migration. Metastasis was evaluated using a mouse model via tail vein injections. Clinical relevance was explored via immunohistochemical staining of patient tumors. Results: CBP facilitated TAZ acetylation at K54 in response to epidermal growth factor stimulation, while SIRT5 mediated deacetylation. Acetylation correlated with phosphorylation, regulating TAZ's binding with LATS2 or TEAD. TAZ K54 acetylation enhanced its S89 phosphorylation, promoting cytosolic retention via LATS2 interaction. SIRT5-mediated deacetylation enhanced TAZ-TEAD interaction and nuclear retention. Chromatin IP showed SIRT5-deacetylated TAZ recruited to CTGF promoter, boosting transcriptional activity. In a mouse model, SIRT5 overexpression induced melanoma metastasis to lung tissue following the injection of B16F10 melanocytes via the tail vein, and this effect was prevented by verteporfin treatment. Conclusions: Our study revealed a novel mechanism of TAZ nuclear retention regulated by SIRT5-mediated K54 deacetylation and demonstrated the significance of TAZ deacetylation in CTGF expression. This study highlights the potential implications of the SIRT5/TAZ axis for treating metastatic melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimated the total production of Calanus sinicus over four seasons by measuring somatic and egg production rates in the Yellow Sea. In the process of measuring somatic production, the length–weight relationship and growth rates of C. sinicus in this region were also derived. The population abundance and biomass of C. sinicus were especially high in spring. All copepodite stages had similar proportions in spring, whereas the late stages and adults were most common in summer. The mean total production of the C. sinicus population was 107.6–259.7 μg C m−3 day−1, ranging from higher values in spring to lower values in summer. The annual total production of C. sinicus in the Yellow Sea was 64.3 mg C m−3 year−1 (4032 mg C m−2 year−1). The production of C. sinicus was positively correlated with chlorophyll a concentration, rather than water temperature or salinity. This study is the first to quantify the secondary production of C. sinicus in the Yellow Sea. These findings will broaden our understanding of the ecology of C. sinicus and its contribution to the Yellow Sea food web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible N6-adenosine methylation of mRNA, referred to as m6A modification, has emerged as an important regulator of post-transcriptional RNA processing. Numerous studies have highlighted its crucial role in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, particularly cancer. Post-translational modifications of m6A-related proteins play a fundamental role in regulating the m6A methylome, thereby influencing the fate of m6A-methylated RNA. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that regulate m6A-related proteins and the factors contributing to the specificity of m6A deposition has the potential to unveil novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. This review provides an in-depth overview of our current knowledge of post-translational modifications of m6A-related proteins, associated signaling pathways, and the mechanisms that drive the specificity of m6A modifications. Additionally, we explored the role of m6A-dependent mechanisms in the progression of various human cancers. Together, this review summarizes the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the m6A methylome to provide insight into its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF), a viral disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), is associated with high mortality rates in domestic pigs and wild boars. ASF has been spreading since its discovery in wild boars in Korea in October 2019. Genomic analyses have provided insights into the genetic diversity of the ASFV isolated from various regions, enabling a better understanding of the virus origin and transmission patterns. We conducted a genome analysis to evaluate the diversity and mutations of ASFV spreading among wild boars in Korea during 2019–2022. We compared the genomes of ASFV strains isolated from Korean wild boars and publicly available ASFV genomes. Genomic analysis revealed several single-nucleotide polymorphisms within multigene families (MGFs) 360-1La and 360-4L in Korean ASFV. MGF 360-1La and 360-4L variations were not observed in other ASFV strains, including those of genotype II. Finally, we partially analyzed MGFs 360-1La and 360-4L in ASFV-positive samples between 2019 and 2022, confirming the geographical distribution of the variants. Our findings can help identify new genetic markers for epidemiological ASFV analysis and provide essential information for effective disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of fluctuating groundwater level (GWL) on the settlement of footing foundation placed on sand was investigated based on the results obtained from centrifuge tests. In the tests, rising and falling phases of GWL were both considered, and the values of footing settlement (sft) obtained from each phase were compared. The centrifuge testing program was designed with a specifically manufactured test box and hydraulic control system. Image-based particle-displacement analysis using particle image velocimetry (PIV) was performed to capture inner soil particle movement during GWL fluctuation. Ground subsidence occurred most significantly during the first GWL fluctuation. Fluctuating GWL caused considerable sft while load was unchanged. sft was larger for rising GWL than for the falling phase and decreased as the number of GWL fluctuation increased. PIV analysis indicated that GWL-induced settlement was not uniform but larger within higher-loaded zone below footing, even if GWL changed uniformly and load on footing was unchanged. The collapse potential was introduced to describe and explain GWL-induced footing settlement, which was consistent with the results observed from the centrifuge tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spending money on one's self, whether to solve a problem, fulfill a need, or increase enjoyment, often heightens one's sense of happiness. It is therefore both surprising and important that people can be even happier after spending money on someone else. We conducted a close replication of a key experiment from Dunn, Aknin, and Norton (2008) to verify and expand upon their findings. Participants were given money and randomly assigned to either spend it on themselves or on someone else. Although the original study (N = 46) found that the latter group was happier, when we used the same analysis in our replication (N = 133), we did not observe a significant difference. However, we report an additional analysis, focused on a more direct measure of happiness, that does show a significant effect in the direction of the original. Follow-up analyses shed new insights into people's predictions about their own and others' happiness and their actual happiness when spending money for themselves or others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, wearing masks has become essential for social interaction, disturbing emotion recognition in daily life. In the present study, a total of 39 Korean participants (female = 20, mean age = 24.2 years) inferred seven emotions (happiness, surprise, fear, sadness, disgust, anger, surprise, and neutral) from uncovered, mask-covered, sunglasses-covered faces. The recognition rates were the lowest under mask conditions, followed by the sunglasses and uncovered conditions. In identifying emotions, different emotion types were associated with different areas of the face. Specifically, the mouth was the most critical area for happiness, surprise, sadness, disgust, and anger recognition, but fear was most recognized from the eyes. By simultaneously comparing faces with different parts covered, we were able to more accurately examine the impact of different facial areas on emotion recognition. We discuss the potential cultural differences and the ways in which individuals can cope with communication in which facial expressions are paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subpixel rendering approaches are necessary to provide apparently high resolution images when there are difficulties in implementing the display with the target high resolution. This paper presents a subpixel rendering technique based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) for a diamond-shaped PenTile pixel arrangement. The proposed subpixel rendering network (SPRNN) takes the concatenated input of high resolution image and pixel arrangement information for each color component. SPRNNs for three colors share weights, leading to the substantial reduction on the number of weights. The loss function is defined as the squared error between original and virtual images, where virtual images are generated from the down-sampled SPRNN outputs by the human visual system (HVS) model. The proposed SPRNN outperforms other down-sampling algorithms such as DPD, DSD, DDSD, PDAF, DSD-FA, DDSD-FA, and QPD in terms of PSN R z and SSI M z estimated from virtual images as well as SPA metrics measured at the down-sampled images. PSN R z and SSI M z of the proposed SPRNN are measured as 32.6027 dB and 0.9813. In addition, the light version SPRNN (SPRN N L) also achieves high PSN R z and SSI M z of 32.5192 dB and 0.9810 that are bigger than previous down-sampling schemes, while its computational complexity is reduced by around 99.8%, compared to SPRNN. • The subpixel rendering network is proposed for a diamond-shaped PenTile layout. • The proposed neural network uses additional pixel arrangement information. • The proposed neural network outperforms previous down-sampling algorithms. • The total number of weights is reduced by weight sharing for all color components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Load and resistance factor design (LRFD) for serviceability limit state (SLS) of laterally loaded drilled shafts was explored for transmission line structures in sand, and the SLS resistance factor (RF) was proposed. Statistical characteristics of various load components, including transverse tension load (TTL), wind-on-structure load (WSL), and wind-on-conductor load (WCL), were considered and assessed. A database was established and adopted to calibrate RF for SLS of laterally loaded drilled shafts in sands. The hyperbolic model was introduced to quantify uncertainties in the lateral load–displacement curves for drilled shafts and adopted to determine the allowable load capacity. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to calibrate RF for SLS. The effects of target reliability index (βT), allowable displacement (ya), ice thickness on conductor (Iz), and various load ratios were all considered in the RF calibration. The values of RF for SLS varied from 0.19 to 0.94 for βT in the range of 1.5–3.5. Equivalent factors of safety (FSeq) were obtained for the proposed RFs to evaluate and compare the safety margin of SLS to that of current design practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired resistance often limits therapeutic efficacy of the BFAF (V600E) kinase inhibitor PLX4032 in patients with advanced melanoma. Epitranscriptomic modification of mRNAs by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification contributes to melanoma pathogenesis; however, its role in acquired PLX4032 resistance remains unexplored. Here, we showed that m6A methyltransferase METTL3 expression is upregulated in A375R cells, a PLX4032-resistant subline of A375 melanoma cells, compared with the parental cells. Moreover, METTL3 increased the m6A modification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA in A375R cells, which promoted its translation efficiency. In turn, increased EGFR expression facilitated rebound activation of the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway in A375R cells, inducing PLX4032 resistance. In contrast, knockout of METTL3 in A375R cells reduced EGFR expression and restored PLX4032 sensitivity. PLX4032 treatment following METTL3 knockout induced apoptosis and reduced colony formation in A375R cells and reduced A375R cell-derived tumor growth in BALB/c nude mice. These findings indicate that METTL3 promotes rebound activation of the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway through EGFR upregulation and highlight a critical role for METTL3-induced m6A modification in acquired PLX4032 resistance in melanoma, implicating METTL3 as a potential candidate for targeted chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aramid fiber composites that are used in aircraft can be exposed to various fluids from inside and outside the aircraft during maintenance and flight operations. This article investigates how the aircraft fluid affected the tensile properties, including ultimate tensile strength, tensile modulus, and strain at break of aramid fiber composites. Two different types of aramid fiber composite test specimens were prepared; Kevlar® laminate (para-aramid) and Nomex® paper (meta-aramid). The test specimens were soaked in four different types of aircraft fluid, jet fuel, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and water and tested to measure their tensile properties. The influence of fluid ingression on the test specimens was analyzed by comparing the test data of each fluid group to the control group. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used during the tensile test for strain calculation and better understanding of local strain change during the test. The test results showed that the test specimens soaked in hydraulic fluid and water had an evidence of tensile property change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ε4 variant in the APOE gene is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. How does this gene impact different cell types in the brain to increase disease risk? In this issue of Cell , TCW and colleagues report APOE-driven cell-type-specific changes that may contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to improve the efficiency of task switching in hospital laboratories. In a laboratory, several medical technicians perform multiple tasks. Technicians are not aware of the marginal amount of time it takes to switch between tasks, and this accumulation of lost minutes can cause the technician to worry more about the remaining working time than work quality. They rush through their remaining tasks, thereby rendering their work less efficient. For time optimization, we identified work changeover times to help maintain the work quality in the laboratory while reducing the number of task switching instances. We used the turnaround time (TAT) compliance rate of emergency room samples as an indicator to evaluate laboratory performance and the number of task switching instances as an index of the task performer perspective (TPP). We experimented with a monitoring system that populates the time for sample classification according to the optimal time for task switching. Through the proposed methodology, we successfully reduced not only the instances of task switching by 10% but also the TAT non-compliance rate from 4.97 to 2.66%. Consequently, the introduction of new methodology has greatly increased work efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the lateral load-carrying behavior of inclined micropiles installed in various soil–rock layer conditions was investigated based on the results from the model load tests and finite-element analyses. The effects of micropile inclination angle, load direction, and rock-embedded ratio were considered in the study. Improved load-carrying behavior was obtained from negatively inclined micropiles in rock with the load direction of 0°, whereas it was disadvantageous for the load directions of 90° and 180°. The lateral load capacity of micropiles for the mixed layer condition increased with a rock-embedded ratio and became larger at a higher inclination angle. Marked increases in the lateral load capacity were observed for rock-embedded ratios larger than 0.8, below which the increases were moderate. The inclination and rock-embedded conditions of micropiles were both adequate to enhance the lateral load-carrying behavior of micropiles, whereas the effect of the rock-embedded condition was less beneficial unless largely embedded. It was also indicated that the maximum benefit of micropiles embedded in rock could be achieved by further reinforcing the stiffness in the upper part of micropiles within the soil layer. It was confirmed that the previously proposed method to estimate the lateral load capacity of inclined micropiles in the sand could be effectively used for the case in rock and the mixed soil–rock layer condition for practical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the axial and lateral load-carrying behavior of encased micropile (MP) with perforated configuration was investigated. The perforated casing adopted in this study was a casing with holes on the casing surface to increase the frictional and bending resistances. Experimental tests and finite-element (FE) analyses were performed to characterize the interface friction and the effect of the perforated casing, considering the inclined condition of MP. The experimental tests showed that the interface friction angle of the perforated casing was close to the sand friction angle, whereas that of the smooth-surface casing was nearly half of the sand friction angle. The frictional characteristics of the smooth and perforated casings obtained from the experimental tests were used in the FE analysis. The perforated casing was sufficiently effective to maintain the reinforcing effect of the casing on the lateral load capacity. The axial load capacity of MP with the perforated casing was 22.4% higher than that with the conventional smooth casing. A similar improvement was observed for inclined MPs. It was indicated that the perforated casing was beneficial for both axial and lateral loading capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the resistance factors (RF) in the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) for the drilled-shaft foundation of transmission line structures subjected to lateral loads were investigated. Various load test results were collected to establish a database and used in the reliability analysis. The first-order reliability method (FORM) was implemented to calibrate RF for the Broms, Brinch-Hansen, and Prasad and Chari methods. Loads for transmission line structures were categorized and characterized statistically for calibrating RF. Uncertainties of the transverse tension load (TTL), wind-on-structure load (WLs), and wind-on-ice-coated conductor load (WLc), all dominant in transmission line structures, were evaluated. RF varied largely with nominal load ratios of WLs/TTL and WLc/TTL , which should be considered for the selection of RF in the design to maintain a consistent safety margin. Increases in nominal WLs and WLc induced higher RF while increasing nominal TTL yielded lower RF. The higher RF values obtained in this study were due to the low bias factors of wind-induced loads and the large load factors of the tension and wind loads. The equivalent factor of safety (FSeq) was evaluated and analyzed for the proposed RF s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hippo signaling pathway controls cellular processes including growth, homeostasis, and apoptosis. The kinase STK3 acts upstream in this pathway to activate LATS1/2 kinase, which phosphorylates and inactivates the transcriptional coactivators YAP/TAZ. The dysregulation of Hippo signaling leads to human diseases including cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its dysregulation in melanoma are unknown. We aimed to determine the role of the PIN1 in Hippo signaling dysregulation and melanoma tumorigenesis. We report that PIN1 interacts with STK3 and induces ubiquitination-dependent proteasomal degradation of STK3. Furthermore, PIN1 plays a critical role in the nuclear translocation of TAZ, which forms a complex with TEAD to increase CTGF expression. PIN1 ablation blocks TAZ/TEAD complex formation and decreases CTGF expression. PIN1-mediated STK3 degradation is associated with enhanced cell growth, induction of cell transformation, and increased tumorigenicity. In clinical context, PIN1 and STK3 levels are inversely correlated in patient melanoma tissues. These findings indicate that PIN1-mediated STK3 destabilization contributes to the dysregulation of Hippo signaling, leading to oncogenic signaling and melanoma tumorigenesis. Our data suggest that inhibition of the PIN1-STK3 axis could be a novel treatment strategy for malignant melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite honeycomb sandwich structure is widely used for aircraft structures such as control surfaces, radomes, engine cowls, and aircraft interior structure because of its lightweight and high strength characteristics. One of the disadvantages of honeycomb sandwich structure is that they are prone to fluid intrusion. The purpose of this study is to determine if the structural properties of honeycomb core are affected by contact with a fluid. The test specimens were manufactured of fiberglass prepreg for the facesheets and Nomex® honeycomb core for the core material in accordance with ASTM C-365/365M. Test specimens were soaked in several different kinds of fluids, such as aircraft fuel, turbine engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and water for a period of 60 days. Some of specimens were tested right after soaking period ended, and some of them were dried before they were tested. A flatwise compressive test was performed, and the test results were analyzed to determine how the contact with aircraft fluids affected the compressive strength of the Nomex® honeycomb core and how the strength was recovered when the specimens were dry. In addition, the investigation of de-bonding between facesheet and core material after soaking was performed to support the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of motor neurons from the brain and spinal cord. The ALS community has made remarkable strides over three decades by identifying novel familial mutations, generating animal models, elucidating molecular mechanisms, and ultimately developing promising new therapeutic approaches. Some of these approaches reduce the expression of mutant genes and are in human clinical trials, highlighting the need to carefully consider the normal functions of these genes and potential contribution of gene loss-of-function to ALS. Here, we highlight known loss-of-function mechanisms underlying ALS, potential consequences of lowering levels of gene products, and the need to consider both gain and loss of function to develop safe and effective therapeutic strategies. In this review, Kim et al. discuss evidence for loss-of-function mutations and mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and propose the need to consider both gain and loss of function for designing effective and safe therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of pile surface roughness on the lateral load–carrying behavior of piles embedded in sand was investigated. Centrifuge tests were conducted on various model piles with different degrees of surface roughness. The effects of the pile surface roughness, given by the normalized roughness, Rn , on the lateral-load capacity and lateral displacement were analyzed. From the centrifuge tests, it was observed that the lateral-loading capacity markedly increased with the pile surface roughness. The effect was most significant within low degrees of surface roughness up to Rn of 0.024. Surface roughness parameters for the p-y method were proposed as a function of Rn , which could explain the effect of the pile surface roughness on calculated lateral load–displacement curves. Finite element analyses were performed to assess and compare the experimentally and numerically determined effects of the pile surface roughness. The numerical simulation of laterally loaded piles does not fully reproduce the experimental effect of surface roughness on the lateral-load response, which needs to be properly considered in the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Honeycomb sandwich construction is commonly used in aircraft structures to make parts with a superior strength to weight ratio. Nomex® honeycomb core is used extensively for flooring, skin panels, fairings, engine cowlings, and flight controls. Honeycomb sandwich structures are prone to fluid ingression due to their thin facesheets which get damaged easily by impact or erosion. The purpose of this research was to determine how the mechanical properties of honeycomb sandwich structures were affected if the structure was saturated by a fluid such as water, fuel, hydraulic fluid, or engine oil. The authors focused on the lasting effect on the sandwich structure when aircraft fluids ingress into the structure. The test panels were made of carbon fiber prepreg, and they were bonded to a 12.7 mm thick Nomex® honeycomb core material. The specimens were soaked in water, fuel, hydraulic fluid, or engine oil for 45 days. After the soak period, the specimens were removed from the fluids and left to drain for 30 days. The specimens including the control group were tested with a four-point loading test and impact test in accordance with ASTM standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a combined foundation, micropiled rafts under compressive loads show the load-sharing behavior between raft and micropiles. The load carrying and sharing behaviors of micropiled rafts installed with inclined condition would become further complicated as a result of the coupled influences of group and inclined configurations. In this study, the 3D finite element analyses were performed to investigate the load carrying and sharing behaviors of inclined micropiled rafts. Changes in foundation configurations, including micropile inclination angle and spacing, were considered in the analyses. The load carrying capacity of micropiled rafts varied with the inclination angle of micropiles and the proportion of load carried by inclined micropiles was larger than for vertically installed condition. The values of the load sharing ratio α p for the inclined condition were obtained and analyzed. The normalized load-sharing model for inclined micropiled rafts was proposed with the modified load capacity interaction factor and design equations as a function of micropile configuration and inclination angle. Case studies were selected from the literature and adopted to compare with the calculated results using the proposed method. The calculated results were in reasonable agreement with measured load sharing ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To quantitatively determine the density and distribution of activated microglia across cortical regions and hemispheres in the brains of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) participants with pathological diagnoses of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with transactive response DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) inclusions and to examine the relationships between microglial densities, patterns of focal atrophy, (TDP-43) inclusions, and clinical phenotype.Methods: Activated microglia and TDP-43 inclusions were visualized in whole-hemisphere brain sections using immunohistochemical methods from five participants with PPA-TDP. Unbiased stereology was used to bilaterally quantify human leuckocyte antigen/D related-positive activated microglia and TDP-43 inclusions across five language-related regions. Density and distribution of both markers were compared across cortical regions and hemispheres, and their relationships to patterns of focal atrophy and clinical phenotype were determined.Results: Activated microglia displayed asymmetric distribution favoring the language-dominant hemisphere, consistent with greater postmortem and/or in vivo atrophy in that hemisphere, in PPA-TDP. In one participant with no asymmetric atrophy, quantitative distribution of microglia also lacked asymmetry. Patterns of microglial activation also showed variation that favored areas of high atrophy in regions affiliated with language function, demonstrating concordance between patterns of microglial activation, atrophy, and clinical phenotype. TDP-43 also showed higher inclusion densities in areas of high atrophy than in regions with low atrophy, but no clear relationship with microglia density at a regional level.Interpretation: The initial activation of microglia is most likely a response to cortical abnormalities in PPA-TDP, which contribute to atrophy. The patterns of microglial activation, TDP-43 inclusion deposition, atrophy, and clinical phenotype suggest that activated microglia may make unique contributions to cortical thinning and TDP-43 inclusion formation. Ann Neurol 2018;83:1096-1104. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is one of the most critical nutrients affecting cell growth and biochemical composition of microalgae, ultimately determining the lipid or carbohydrate productivity for biofuels. In order to investigate the effect of nitrogen sources on the cell growth and biochemical composition of the marine microalga Tetraselmis sp., nine different N sources, including NaNO3, KNO3, NH4NO3, NH4HCO3, NH4Cl, CH3COONH4, urea, glycine, and yeast extract were compared at the given concentration of 8.82 mM. Higher biomass concentration was achieved under organic nitrogen sources, such as yeast extract (2.23 g L-1) and glycine (1.62 g L-1), compared to nitrate- (1.45 g L-1) or ammonium-N (0.98 g L-1). All ammonium sources showed an inhibition of cell growth, but accumulated higher lipids, showing a maximum content of 28.3% in ammonium bicarbonate. When Tetraselmis sp. was cultivated using yeast extract, the highest lipid productivity of 36.0 mg L-1 d-1 was achieved, followed by glycine 21.5 mg L-1 d-1 and nitrate 19.9 mg L-1 d-1. Ammonium bicarbonate resulted in the lowest lipid productivity of 14.4 mg L-1 d-1. The major fatty acids in Tetraselmis sp. were palmitic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids, regardless of the nutritional compositions, indicating the suitability of this species for biodiesel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a CPT-based dynamic p-y analysis method was proposed for the seismic design of piles in sand. The proposed method is aimed at establishing an effective seismic design method for monopiles by directly incorporating in-situ test results into the design process. For this purpose, the continuous and in-situ soil profiling capability of CPT is utilized, which can further enhance the seismic design of monopiles by minimizing uncertainties involved in soil characterization process based on sampling and lab testing procedure. The proposed method was established based on the pseudo-static analysis with the dynamic p-y curve and equivalent static load. The CPT-based p-y curve was formulated as a function of the cone resistance considering damping effect. The load responses of dynamic load test were compared with results obtained from the proposed method and the finite element analysis. It was shown that the proposed CPT-based dynamic p-y method was effective for the seismic design of monopiles. • Dynamic p-y analysis method based on CPT results for offshore monopiles was proposed. • The proposed method can utilize continuous soil profile using CPT. • Dynamic p-y curves were established in terms of cone resistance. • CPT-based method was verified by comparing results of 3D numerical analysis and a centrifuge test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cell growth rate and cellular lipid content of microalgae are affected by the nitrogen levels during cultivation. The growth rate and lipid content of marine microalga Tetraselmis sp. was found to increase under nitrate replete conditions, but not under deplete conditions. Thus, in order to enhance the lipid productivity of Tetraselmis sp., a two-stage culture process utilizing nitrate replete condition was applied. When the cells were cultivated in F/2 medium for five days in the first stage, the obtained lipid content and productivity were 22.4% and 26.7 mg L −1 d −1 , respectively. After second stage of cultivation for a further 36 h under nitrate replete conditions with 8.82 mM NaNO 3 , increased biomass concentration of 1.32 g L −1 and lipid content of 30.5% were obtained, with an enhanced lipid productivity of 47.3 mg L −1 d −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report provides the first evidence for IL-22 signaling that conveys an oncogenic signal to promote aggressiveness in breast cancer through MAP3K8. The findings not only reveal a novel mechanism underlying the IL-22 activity but also support the idea that cancer-associated inflammation in tumor microenvironment is of therapeutic importance.Interleukin-22 (IL-22), one of the cytokines secreted by T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, binds to a class II cytokine receptor containing an IL-22 receptor 1 (IL-22R1) and IL-10R2 and influences a variety of immune reactions. IL-22 has also been shown to modulate cell cycle and proliferation mediators such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms of IL-22 in tumorigenesis. In this paper, we propose that IL-22 has a crucial role to play in controlling epithelial cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in the breast. IL-22 increased MAP3K8 phosphorylation through IL-22R1, followed by the induction of MEK-ERK, JNK-c-Jun, and STAT3 signaling pathways. Furthermore, IL-22-IL-22R1 signaling pathway activated activator protein-1 and HER2 promoter activity. In addition, Pin1 was identified as a key positive regulator for the phosphorylation-dependent MEK, c-Jun and STAT3 activity induced by IL-22. Pin1−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) exhibited significantly a decrease in IL-22-induced MEK1/2, c-Jun, and STAT3 phosphorylation compared with Pin1+/+ MEF. In addition, a knockdown of Pin1 prevented phosphorylation induced by IL-22. The in vivo chorioallantoic membrane assay also showed that IL-22 increased tumor formation of JB6 Cl41 cells. Moreover, the knockdown of MAP3K8 and Pin1 attenuated tumorigenicity of MCF7 cells. Consistent with these observations, IL-22 levels positively correlate with MAP3K8 and Pin1 expression in human breast cancer. Overall, our findings point to a critical role for the IL-22-induced MAP3K8 signaling pathway in promoting cancer-associated inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Strong inter-pattern repulsion is seen while forming Si-nanowires with EBL and RIE. [•] The collapse of RIE dummies is prevented to overcome the patterning limit. [•] Placing sacrificial patterns with a fixed inter-pattern space prevents the collapse. [•] By forming thinner resist film, Si-wires narrower than 20nm are successfully formed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The influence of alkanolamine CO2 absorbents on the CO2 fixation in photoautotrophic culture of green alga Scenedesmus sp. was investigated using monoethanolamine (MEA), 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). The dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) contents increased when alkanolamine compounds existed in the medium. Utilizing the increased DIC for algal uptake, TEA exhibited a best enhancement in CO2 fixation performance compared to other absorbents, while primary ethanolamines displayed inhibition on cell growth due to the formation of relatively stable carbamate intermediate. By adding 5mM TEA, the cell growth and CO2 fixation rate increased by 30.5% compared to the case with no TEA. TEA was supplemented when cell density was doubled, tripled and quadrupled to maintain the TEA to cells ratio constant pacing the increase of cell density. The repeated addition of TEA exhibited the enhancement of CO2 fixation rate by 39.3% and 18.5% from no-addition and one-time addition cases, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inflammatory conditions elicited by extrinsic environmental factors promote malignant transformation, tumor growth and metastasis. Although the role of T cells in cancer promotion has been examined, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms of interleukin-17 A (IL-17A), a proinflammatory cytokine produced by activated CD4+ memory T cells, in carcinogenesis. Here, we report that IL-17A induces neoplastic transformation of JB6 Cl41 cells through activation of tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2). IL-17A dose- and time-dependently increases TPL2 phosphorylation in JB6 Cl41 cells through IL-17A receptor. IL-17A activates mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinases, c-jun N-terminal kinases and STAT3 signaling pathways, which are inhibited by a TPL2 kinase inhibitor (TKI). Furthermore, IL-17A activates c-fos and c-jun promoter activity, resulting in increased activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity. When small interfering RNA of IL-17A receptor (IL-17R), IL-17A and TPL2 were introduced into JB6 Cl41 cells, respectively, IL-17A-induced AP-1 activity was significantly decreased compared with control cells. Similarly, TPL2 inhibition suppressed AP-1 activity induced by IL-17A. The knockdown of IL-17R and TKI treatment in JB6 Cl41 cells resulted in decreased IL-17A-induced cell transformation. The in vivo chorioallantoic membrane assay also showed that IL-17A increased tumor formation of JB6 Cl41 cells, whereas TKI inhibited the tumorigenesis promoted by IL-17A. Consistent with these observations, knockdown of IL-17A and/or inhibition of TPL2 attenuated tumorigenicity of human breast cancer MCF7 cells. Together, our findings point to a critical role for the IL-17A-induced TPL2 signaling pathway in supporting cancer-associated inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. Therapeutic approaches that target this pathway may, therefore, effectively inhibit carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The influence of monoethanolamine (MEA) as a CO2 absorbent on photoautotrophic culture of CO2-fixing microalgae was investigated. When 300ppm MEA (4.92mM) was added to blank culture medium, the dissolved inorganic carbon and the molar absorption ratio increased to 51.0mg/L and 0.34 , respectively, which was an almost 6-fold increase in CO2 solubility. When free MEA up to 300mg/L was added to a green alga Scenedesmus sp. culture that was supplied 5% (v/v) CO2 at 0.1vvm, both cell growth rate and final cell density were enhanced compared to when no MEA was added. The cell growth rate reached 288.6mg/L/d, which was equivalent to 539.6mg-CO2/L/d as a CO2-fixation rate and enhancement of about 63.0% compared to not adding MEA. Chlorophyll-a content and nitrate consumption rate increased correspondingly. MEA doses higher than 400mg/L inhibited cell growth, probably due to toxicity of the carbamate intermediate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, a 3-D nand Flash memory array having multiple single-crystal Si nanowires is investigated. Device structure and fabrication process are described including the electrical isolation of stacked nanowires. Numerical simulation results focused on nand Flash memory operation are delivered. Devices and array with stacked bit lines are fabricated, and memory characteristics such as program/erase select gate operation are measured. Array scheme is also discussed for the high-density bit-cost scalable 3-D stacked bit-line nand Flash memory application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A commercially available thermoset polymer liquid coating reinforced with ceramic particles was applied on the surface of an additively manufactured carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites to improve its surface characteristics for composite mold application. The mold demonstrated herein was fabricated via material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM) and served for the fabrication of autoclave-cured laminated composite structures. Test specimens used in this investigation were additively manufactured with Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) reinforced with 50% by weight of carbon fiber. Following the printing process, the surface of the specimens was finished in a numerical controlled milling machine. The effect of machining parameters such as the surface speed and the chip load on the surface roughness was investigated. The machining parameters that yielded the lowest surface roughness were used to machine the specimens used in this work. Following machining, an approximately 10 μm thick coating based on a thermoset resin reinforced with ceramic particles was applied on the surface of flat specimens via the liquid spray coating technique and cured at elevated temperature. Surface characteristics relevant to molds used in composite manufacturing such as surface roughness, abrasion resistance, hardness, friction, and vacuum integrity were assessed for the coated and noncoated specimens. The results showed that the coating decreased the abrasion wear index by about 89%, decreased the vacuum loss by about 95%, and lowered the static and kinetic friction by about 40% and 38%, respectively, compared to the non-coated printed material. However, the coated surface did not improve hardness nor roughness of the surface. • Thermoset liquid polymer coating with ceramic particle was applied to additively manufactured fiber reinforced composite. • The abrasion resistance of the additively manufactured carbon fiber reinforced composite was significantly increased with the coating. • The polymer coating did not improve surface hardness and roughness of the additively manufactured carbon fiber reinforced composite. • The coating provided lower static and kinetic surface friction coefficient compared to the non-coated surface of the composite. • Vacuum integrity of the additively manufactured fiber reinforced composite surface was significantly improved with the coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: LPIN1 is a protein that exhibits dual functions as a phosphatidic acid phosphatase enzyme in the regulation of triglyceride and glycerophospholipid metabolism and a transcriptional coregulator. Recent advances in understanding suggest that LPIN1 frequently observed in various human cancer cell lines controls the main cellular processes in cancer progression. Therefore, there is considerable interest in the underlying mechanism regulating LPIN1 expression. We have determined for the first time that IL-33 regulates LPIN1 expression by recruiting c-Jun to the LPIN1 promoter. Consistent with these observations, IL-33 levels positively correlate with LPIN1 expression in human breast cancer. Our findings point to a critical role of IL-33-induced LPIN1 expression via COT/JNK1/2 pathway in promoting epithelial transformation and breast tumorigenesis. Phospholipids are crucial materials that are not only required for cell membrane construction but also play significant roles as signaling molecules. LPIN1 is an enzyme that displays phosphatidate phosphatase activity in the triglyceride and phospholipid synthesis pathway. Recent studies have shown that overexpression of LPIN1 is involved in breast tumorigenesis, but the underlying mechanism regulating LPIN1 expression has not been elucidated yet. In the present study, we showed that the IL-33-induced COT-JNK1/2 signaling pathway regulates LPIN1 mRNA and protein expression by recruiting c-Jun to the LPIN1 promoter in breast cancer cells. IL-33 dose-dependently and time-dependently increased LPIN1 mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, IL-33 promoted colony formation and mammary tumorigenesis via induction of LPIN1 expression, while inhibition of LPIN1 disturbed IL-33-induced cell proliferation and mammary tumorigenesis. IL-33-driven LPIN1 expression was mediated by the COT-JNK1/2 signaling pathway, and inhibition of COT or JNK1/2 reduced LPIN1 expression. COT-JNK1/2-mediated IL-33 signaling activated c-Jun and promoted its binding to the promoter region of LPIN1 to induce LPIN1 expression. These findings demonstrated the regulatory mechanism of LPIN1 transcription by the IL-33-induced COT/JNK1/2 pathway for the first time, providing a potential mechanism underlying the upregulation of LPIN1 in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-34 has been recently identified as a ligand for CSF1R that regulates various cellular processes including cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Although the binding of IL-34 to CSF1R modulates several cancer-driving signaling pathways, little is known about the role of IL-34/CSF1R signaling in breast cancer. Herein, we report that IL-34 induces epithelial cell transformation and breast tumorigenesis through activation of MEK/ERK and JNK/c-Jun pathways. IL-34 increased the phosphorylation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and c-Jun through CSF1R in mouse skin epidermal JB6 C141 cells and human breast cancer MCF7 cells. IL-34 enhanced c-Fos and c-Jun promoter activity, resulting in increased AP-1 transactivation activity in JB6 Cl41 and MCF7 cells. Moreover, PIN1 enhanced IL-34-induced phosphorylation of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and c-Jun in JB6 Cl41 and MCF7 cells. Inhibition of PIN1 using juglone prevented the IL-34-induced transformation of JB6 C141 cells. Similarly, silencing of PIN1 reduced the IL-34-induced tumorigenicity of MCF7 cells. Consistent with these results, the synergistic model showed that treatment with juglone suppressed the IL-34-induced growth of tumors formed by 4T1 cells in BALB/c mice. Our study demonstrates the role of IL-34-induced MEK/ERK and JNK/c-Jun cascades in breast cancer and highlights the regulatory role of PIN1 in IL-34-induced breast tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutting fiber reinforced polymer composite with traditional rotary cutting tools often results in tool wear, high heat, and dust generated during the cutting process. Abrasive waterjet cutting (AWJ) does not have direct contact between the machine and material and it is a cold machining process, so many of the machining challenges can be avoided. However, the impact of waterjet machining may cause delamination of composite laminates. This research addresses the influence of different piercing methods of the waterjet cutting process on delamination of woven prepreg composite laminates. After cutting the sample with AWJ, the delamination zone of the composite laminate will be observed using a computed tomography (CT) scan and X-ray imaging technique. The results showed that delamination can be avoided by allowing the water and abrasive to mix properly before reaching high water pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale gas is a typical unconventional gas trapped in a tight shale formation, which is considered as a source as well as reservoir rock. Therefore, the productivity of shale gas is closely related to the reservoir parameters making it very important to understand the characteristics of shale reservoirs. In this study, the production data of Montney shale was analyzed and the impact of the reservoir characteristics on the productivity was quantified. The reservoir characteristics can be divided into the reservoir quality (RQ) and completion quality (CQ) parameters. The productivity of shale gas, which is defined as the production decline variables, such as the peak monthly rate (PMR), the initial decline rate, and the decline exponent, was compared with the RQ and CQ. Among the CQ parameters, the brittleness index (BI) was found to affect the overall decline trend in production and had a qualitative correlation with the initial decline rate and decline exponent. Moreover, among the RQ, the total organic carbon (TOC) is closely related to the PMR and the amount of organic carbon (S1) already generated as hydrocarbon is strongly correlated with the initial decline rate and the decline exponent, especially in the transient linear flow regime. Therefore, it is possible to quantify the effects of the organic carbon contents on the productivity of shale gas and estimate the production in the transient linear flow regime. • The Montney shale gas production is predicted using the reservoir parameters at the early stages of development. • The reservoir characteristics are closely related to the productivity of shale gas in long-term production. • The reservoir characteristics of shale gas can be divided into the reservoir quality (RQ) and completion quality (CQ). • The production in the transient linear flow regime can be estimated based on the organic matter contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stamp forming with thermoplastic composites provides high-rate production of structural components. A series of physical phenomena develops concurrently as a blank of fiber reinforced thermoplastic is consolidated, reheated, stamp formed, cooled within the tool, and released from the tool in the stamp forming process. Transient phenomena contributing to the residual deformation of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics processed by stamp forming were described and characterized in this work. The transient phenomena considered included anisotropic heat transfer, anisotropic shrinkage, thermoviscoelastic behavior, and semi-crystalline polymer melting and crystallization kinetics. A comprehensive experimental characterization of the material properties required to model the phenomena involved in shape change is summarized in this work. The digital twin of this process, termed FORM3D and based on the finite element solvers ABAQUS and ANIFORM, has been constructed with the goal of describing the important phenomena in thermoplastic stamp forming, particularly to predict shape change. Shape change predictions made with FORM3D were validated against experimental measurements for a double curvature geometry made with a quasi-isotropic stacking sequence. The double curvature geometry developed both spring-in and spring-out deformations in the minor and major radii of curvature, respectively. FORM3D predictions were in excellent agreement with the experiments in both magnitude and distribution of the deformation. The same correlation was observed for three repetitions of the stamp formed experiment carried out in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pullout load carrying behavior of helical anchors for inclined loading conditions was investigated based on the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) analyses. Various types of helical anchors, specified as Types 1 to 6, were adopted in the analyses. Types 1, 2 and 3 represent those with one, two, and three equal-diameter helical plates and Type 4 was a helical anchor type with two helical plates of different diameters. Types 5 and 6 were both with three helical plates of different diameters in opposite diameter configurations. Inclined loading conditions affected the pullout capacity (Q u) of helical anchors producing lower Q u with increasing load inclination. The patterns of the Q u decrease with increasing load inclination were similar for all helical anchor types considered in this study. The values of Q u were approximately similar up to θ = 60° and then decreased continually with furthering increasing θ. Q u was lowest at θ = 90°. The top-down increasing diameter configuration of helical plates was more efficient than the bottom-up increasing diameter configuration. A normalized load capacity relationship was proposed, which can be used to evaluate Q u for inclined loading conditions. The pullout behavior of helical anchors was governed by helical plates with marked effects of helical plate configuration, which was however less pronounced with increasing θ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, the design factors of bioreactor landfill were investigated using the coupled leachate-infiltration and slope-stability analyses for various conditions of leachate injection, subgrade, and landfill waste. The factor of safety (FS) decreased with leachate injection where larger and faster reduction of FS was observed for higher injection pressure. The upper-placed injection pipes within landfill induced larger wet zone. The number of injection pipe indicated some effect on FS for the lower-placed case. The optimum location of injection pipes was at heights above Y/H = 0.33. The highest location of injection pipes should be identified considering landfill property and geometry conditions. Shallower and smaller slip surface within landfill was formed for strong subgrade whereas deeper, larger slip surface with lower FS was formed for soft subgrade. For low-compaction landfills, leachate injection reached the steady state and perched leachate was formed. The values of FS for high- and low-compaction cases were similar for soft subgrade indicating that the compaction of landfill waste does not affect the overall stability of landfill significantly for soft subgrades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous removal of inorganic nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and organic carbon (glucose) was realized from synthetically-made municipal wastewater using co-culture of suspended activated sludge and immobilized Chlorella vulgaris in a single reactor. Use of immobilized microalgae and suspended activated sludge can help in separating microalgae biomass from the culture broth at the end of treatment. Efficient removal of nutrients and COD was achieved by the symbiotic co-culture than stand-alone cultures of C. vulgaris and activated sludge after 2-d of retention time. By decreasing inoculum ratio of suspended activated sludge to immobilized Chlorella vulgaris (from 5.0 to 0.2), the performance of nutrients removal was enhanced significantly, and the co-culture at 0.5 inoculum ratio accomplished highest removal of nitrogen (99.8%) and phosphorus (100%) within 2 days of incubation. In the case for the removal of COD, co-culture with different inoculum ratios demonstrated virtually similar performance (showing 90–95% removal after 2-d treatment) which is indicating that there was no robust association between carbon degradation and inoculum ratio. The maximum growth of microalgae (0.76 from initial 0.4 g L −1 ) was obtained from the co-culture having 0.5 inoculum ratio indicating significance of proper inoculation. Co-culture at 0.5 inoculum ratio of suspended activated sludge and immobilized C. vulgaris was advanced in the semi-continuous mode treatment. By repeating batch cycles for three times, the co-culture considerably eliminated 98–100% nitrogen, 92–100% phosphorus, and 94–96% COD and accumulated 2.2 g L −1 of biomass production confirming the stability of the current co-culture system in municipal wastewater medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the vertical load-carrying behavior of micropile foundations with various configuration conditions was investigated based on results from model load tests. Considered configuration conditions included micropile inclination angle, spacing of micropiles, and types of micropile foundations. The ultimate load capacity of micropiles varied with installation angle, showing an initial increase and peak followed by a gradual decrease with further increase in installation angle. The ultimate load capacity of micropiled rafts was affected by both installation angle and micropile spacing. The load-carrying mechanism of micropiles for the inclined condition was proposed based on the decomposed axial and lateral load and resistance components. Using the proposed load-carrying mechanism and test results obtained in this study, the load capacity ratio for an inclined micropile was proposed. The group effect and interaction effect factors for group micropiles and micropiled rafts were proposed, respectively, all of which can be used to estimate the load-carrying capacity of micropile foundations. Field load tests were conducted and it was seen that estimated results using the proposed method were in good agreement with measured results. Additional comparison with case examples from the literature also confirmed the validity of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reliability analysis-based tunnel risk evaluation model and tunnel risk index. • Quantified Influence factors by Analytical Hierarchy Process and Delphi survey. • Tunnel risk index and Monte Carlo simulation-based evaluation criterion. • Proposed model validation based on actual tunnel cases with and without collapse. Tunnel collapse hazard is a key issue in tunnel construction, which should be adequately assessed to prevent economic damage and casualty. The present study proposed a risk evaluation model for tunnel collapse based on a quantified grading system and influence factors that significantly affected the tunnel collapse hazard. For this purpose, 24 actual tunnel collapse cases were collected, and a database was established to select significant influence factors as the risk evaluation indices. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique and Delphi survey analysis were then adopted to quantify the influence factors and the grading system for the risk evaluation of tunnel collapse. The significant influence factors were selected using the grading guide based on the weight importance and rating score of each considered influence factor. As an evaluation criterion, the TR index based on the probability distribution of weighted influence factors was proposed to compare the risk of collapse using Monte-Carlo simulation. The proposed evaluation model and TR index were validated by comparing and analyzing the risk index calculated using the proposed grading system for actual tunnel cases with and without collapse. The evaluated risk indices were in good agreement with the measured result from field cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the uplift load-carrying behavior of inclined micropiles (MP) embedded in various soil-rock layer conditions was investigated. For this purpose, a series of model load tests and finite element analyses were performed. The focus was given on the effects of MP inclination angle (θ) and rock-embedded ratio (Z r /L). For MPs in rock, the uplift load capacity (Q u,θ) was highest when vertically installed and decreased with increasing θ. The Q u,θ of MPs embedded in soil-rock mixed layers increased with Z r /L and decreased with increasing θ. Marked increases in Q u,θ were observed for Z r /L larger than 0.6 for all θs. As MPs inclination increased, the load-carrying mechanism shifted from the frictional resistance towards the passive resistance. The MPs inclined configuration caused less mobilization of the frictional resistance within the rock-embedded zone while producing the passive resistance within the upper soil zone. This explained the reductions in Q u,θ with increasing θ for MPs with the rock-embedded condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neuropathologic basis of in vivo cortical atrophy in clinical dementia syndromes remains poorly understood. This includes primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a language‐based dementia syndrome characterized by asymmetric cortical atrophy. The neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and amyloid‐ß plaques (APs) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) can cause PPA, but a quantitative investigation of the relationships between NFTs, APs and in vivo cortical atrophy in PPA‐AD is lacking. The present study measured cortical atrophy from corresponding bilateral regions in five PPA‐AD participants with in vivo magnetic resonance imaging scans 7–30 months before death and acquired stereologic estimates of NFTs and dense‐core APs visualized with the Thioflavin‐S stain. Linear mixed models accounting for repeated measures and stratified by hemisphere and region (language vs. non‐language) were used to determine the relationships between cortical atrophy and AD neuropathology and their regional selectivity. Consistent with the aphasic profile of PPA, left language regions displayed more cortical atrophy (P = 0.01) and NFT densities (P = 0.02) compared to right language homologues. Left language regions also showed more cortical atrophy (P < 0.01) and NFT densities (P = 0.02) than left non‐language regions. A subset of data was analyzed to determine the predilection of AD neuropathology for neocortical regions compared to entorhinal cortex in the left hemisphere, which showed that the three most atrophied language regions had greater NFT (P = 0.04) and AP densities (P < 0.01) than the entorhinal cortex. These results provide quantitative evidence that NFT accumulation in PPA selectively targets the language network and may not follow the Braak staging of neurofibrillary degeneration characteristic of amnestic AD. Only NFT densities, not AP densities, were positively associated with cortical atrophy within left language regions (P < 0.01) and right language homologues (P < 0.01). Given previous findings from amnestic AD, the current study of PPA‐AD provides converging evidence that NFTs are the principal determinants of atrophy and clinical phenotypes associated with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single-ply unidirectional IM7/8552 carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite with artificially introduced circular defects is subjected to dynamic tensile loading using a modified Kolsky tension bar. A high-speed X-ray phase contrast imaging method is integrated with the Kolsky bar setup to record the crack initiation from the defects and subsequent propagation in the material in real time during the tensile loading. The tensile loading was applied either in longitudinal (0° to fibers) or transverse (90° to fibers) direction of the specimens. Shear failure of the matrix and axial splitting along the loading/fiber direction were observed in longitudinal specimens to initiate from the edge of the artificial circular defects. Debonding of fiber and matrix was observed in transverse specimens, which initiated from the top and bottom edge of the hole. The dynamic tensile loading history during the crack propagation was recorded using a piezoelectric load cell and synchronized with the observed damage and failure processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomolecular condensation underlies the biogenesis of an expanding array of membraneless assemblies, including stress granules (SGs), which form under a variety of cellular stresses. Advances have been made in understanding the molecular grammar of a few scaffold proteins that make up these phases, but how the partitioning of hundreds of SG proteins is regulated remains largely unresolved. While investigating the rules that govern the condensation of ataxin-2, an SG protein implicated in neurodegenerative disease, we unexpectedly identified a short 14 aa sequence that acts as a condensation switch and is conserved across the eukaryote lineage. We identify poly(A)-binding proteins as unconventional RNA-dependent chaperones that control this regulatory switch. Our results uncover a hierarchy of cis and trans interactions that fine-tune ataxin-2 condensation and reveal an unexpected molecular function for ancient poly(A)-binding proteins as regulators of biomolecular condensate proteins. These findings may inspire approaches to therapeutically target aberrant phases in disease. [Display omitted] • A conserved short linear motif acts as an ataxin-2 condensation switch • Poly(A)-binding protein binds this motif and prevents ataxin-2 condensation • This chaperone activity is dependent on RNA binding A growing list of proteins has been found to moonlight as chaperones. Boeynaems et al. show that poly(A)-binding proteins bind a short linear motif in the stress granule and disease protein ataxin-2, thereby regulating its condensation in homeostasis and stress. This function is dependent on RNA binding and is evolutionarily conserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coefficient of lateral stress at rest, $$\hbox {K}_{0}$$ , is an important soil parameter that characterizes the geostatic stress state of soils. In this study, an experimental testing program was established to investigate the values of $$\hbox {K}_{0}$$ for granular materials that are subject to freezing and thawing. Various material conditions, including different fines contents, relative densities and freezing-thawing cycles, were considered in the testing program. The values of $$\hbox {K}_{0}$$ for thawed condition were higher than for unfrozen condition with net volume decrease. The effect of freezing and thawing became more pronounced as fines content increased while the effect of relative density was small. From the multi-cycled freezing-thawing tests, it was observed that the increase in $$\hbox {K}_{0}$$ was most significant during the first freezing-thawing cycle. For frozen condition, the values of $$\hbox {K}_{0}$$ were very low up to a certain limit stress level. Beyond the limit stress level, the values of $$\hbox {K}_{0}$$ became higher and close to those of unfrozen condition. The increases in $$\hbox {K}_{0}$$ with net volume decrease after freezing and thawing process was explained with internal changes in microstructure and stress state of soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In order to achieve reliability improvement in metal–oxidesemiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), the asymmetric MOSFET has been proposed and investigated. The lightly doped drain (LDD) region in asymmetric MOSFET acts as effective heat sink due to high thermal conductivity of LDD region, and self-heating effect (SHE) is consequently improved. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the proposed asymmetric MOSFET also has advantage of hot-carrier injection (HCI) and on-current variation (ΔI ON) due to its structure. In order to validate the proposed asymmetric MOSFET, technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation is conducted through Synopsys Sentaurus simulation tool. As a result, by utilizing the structure of asymmetric MOSFET, SHE is remarkably improved from 460 K to 392 K, and HCI is reduced by about 50 times, and ΔI ON is also simultaneously improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic fracture of S-2 glass fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites (FRPMCs) was investigated in this study. The matrix ductility was improved by a recently developed network topology modification technique via mixing partially reacted substructures (mPRS). The composite material was manufactured and characterized by micro-CT scanning and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dynamic single-edge notched bending (d-SENB) experiments were performed on the composites by using a modified split-Hopkinson pressure bar. Each specimen's fracture process was visualized by ultrafast X-ray imaging. Such in-situ radiography enabled identifying the damage initiation below 50-μm scale and inspecting its propagation through the internal structures of opaque composites, thereby accurately quantifying the composites' mechanical properties. Furthermore, the identical d-SENB experiments were designed and the digital image correlation (DIC) was employed to monitor the stress wave propagation on the composite specimens. The force and deflection measurements were modified and correlated to the physical damage processes. Besides, quasi-static SENB experiments were conducted to identify the loading rate effects on the composites' fracture behaviors. The force and deflection history, bending stiffness, energy dissipation, and fracture toughness at different loading rates were quantified and compared. Finally, post-fracture analysis by micro-CT scanning and SEM provided physical observations on the variation of the fracture morphology at different loading rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]