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Compared to control longan, DCC-treated longan had higher pulp breakdown index, lower ATP, ADP and EC levels, and lower H+, Ca2+ and Mg2+-ATPase activities. On day 6, DCC-treated longan presented 18% higher pulp breakdown index, with 44%, 9% and 31% lower levels of ATP, ADP and EC, respectively. Additionally, DCC-treated longan showed 29%, 53%, 37% lower activity of H+-ATPase, 34%, 54%, 4% lower activity of Ca2+-ATPase, and 13%, 21%, 6% lower activity of Mg2+-ATPase in the membranes of plasma, vacuole, and mitochondria, respectively. Whereas, DS-treated longan manifested the opposite trends of DCC treatment. These results suggest that the accelerated pulp breakdown in DCC-treated longan was linked to energy deficiency and reduced energy production. However, DS treatment restrained pulp breakdown occurrence in fresh longan by maintaining a higher energy level through the elevated energy production and ATPase activity.

The statistical analysis of civil aircraft accidents reveals that the highest incidence of mishaps occurs during the approach and landing stages. Predominantly, these accidents are marked by abnormal energy states, leading to critical situations like stalling and heavy landings. Therefore, it is of great significance to accurately predict the aircraft energy state in the approach and landing stages to ensure a safe landing. In this study, a deep learning method based on time sequence data for the prediction of the aircraft approach and landing energy states is proposed. Firstly, by conducting an extensive overview of the existing literature, three characteristic parameters of altitude, velocity, and glide angle were selected as the indicators to characterize the energy state. Following this, a semi-physical simulation platform for a certain type of aircraft was developed. The approach and landing experiments were carried out with different throttle sizes and flap deflection under different wind speeds and wind directions. Then, a deep learning prediction model based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) was established based on the experimental data to predict the energy state indicators during the approach and landing phases. Finally, the established LSTM model underwent rigorous training and testing under different strategies, and a comparative analysis was carried out. The results demonstrated that the proposed LSTM model exhibited high accuracy and a strong generalization ability in predicting energy states during the approach and landing phases. These results offer a theoretical basis for designing energy early warning systems and formulating the relevant flight control laws in the approach and landing stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The statistical analysis of civil aircraft accidents reveals that the highest incidence of mishaps occurs during the approach and landing stages. Predominantly, these accidents are marked by abnormal energy states, leading to critical situations like stalling and heavy landings. Therefore, it is of great significance to accurately predict the aircraft energy state in the approach and landing stages to ensure a safe landing. In this study, a deep learning method based on time sequence data for the prediction of the aircraft approach and landing energy states is proposed. Firstly, by conducting an extensive overview of the existing literature, three characteristic parameters of altitude, velocity, and glide angle were selected as the indicators to characterize the energy state. Following this, a semi-physical simulation platform for a certain type of aircraft was developed. The approach and landing experiments were carried out with different throttle sizes and flap deflection under different wind speeds and wind directions. Then, a deep learning prediction model based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) was established based on the experimental data to predict the energy state indicators during the approach and landing phases. Finally, the established LSTM model underwent rigorous training and testing under different strategies, and a comparative analysis was carried out. The results demonstrated that the proposed LSTM model exhibited high accuracy and a strong generalization ability in predicting energy states during the approach and landing phases. These results offer a theoretical basis for designing energy early warning systems and formulating the relevant flight control laws in the approach and landing stages.

Amorphous alloys, also known as metallic glasses, exhibit many advanced mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. Owing to the nonequilibrium nature, their energy states can vary over a wide range. However, the energy relaxation kinetics are very complex and composed of various types that are coupled with each other. This makes it challenging to control the energy state precisely and to study the energy-properties relationship. This brief review introduces the recent progresses on studying the enthalpy relaxation kinetics during isothermal annealing, for example, the observation of two-step relaxation phenomenon, the detection of relaxation unit (relaxun), the key role of large activation entropy in triggering memory effect, the influence of glass energy state on nanocrystallization. Based on the above knowledge, a new strategy is proposed to design a series of amorphous alloys and their composites consisting of nanocrystals and glass matrix with superior functional properties by precisely controlling the nonequilibrium energy states. As the typical examples, Fe-based amorphous alloys with both advanced soft magnetism and good plasticity, Gd-based amorphous/nanocrystalline composites with large magnetocaloric effect, and Fe-based amorphous alloys with high catalytic performance are specifically described., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms behind the effects of acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we delved into the adenosine triphosphate/peripheral purinergic P2X receptor 3 (ATP/P2X3) receptor signaling system as an indicator of the body's energy state, commonly referred to as " Qi "., Methods: The tail-flick test was utilized to explore the impact of acupuncture on pain tolerance threshold (PTT) in mice, while also assessing adenosine (ADO) levels and adenylate energy charge (EC) at Zusanli (ST36). The study further investigated the dose-dependent effects of acupuncture on PTT and ADO levels at Zusanli (ST36). To shed light on the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture's effects, the study examined the impact of ATP, a P2X3 receptor antagonist, and adenosine disodium on PTT following acupuncture administration., Results: Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) led to significant improvements in PTT in mice, with the most effective interventions being twirling for 2 min and needle retention for 28 min. These interventions also resulted in significant increases in ATP levels. The effects of acupuncture were further augmented by administration of different doses of ATP at Zusanli (ST36), and pretreatment with a P2X3 receptor antagonist decreased PTT. Adenylate EC peaked at 30 min after intraperitoneal injection of ATP, and pretreatment with various doses of i.p. ATP 30 min prior to acupuncture increased PTT in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, pretreatment with an i.p. or intramuscular injection of adenosine disodium enhanced the effects of acupuncture., Conclusion: This research provides compelling evidence that ATP is involved in the regulation of PTT through acupuncture, revealing new avenues for achieving enhanced clinical outcomes.

Energy state of composites obtained by mechanical alloying of the Cu-Sn and Fe-Ga powder mixtures during high-energy processing in the planetary ball mill is evaluated by the methods of X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It is shown that during mechanical alloying the total amount of accumulated energy can reach 80 % of the composite melting enthalpy. The greatest contribution to the structuralphase transformations is made by the phase changes of elastic deformations and grain boundaries. The obtained XRD data are consistent with the DSC data. Three endothermic effects are established at temperatures of 507, 792 and 905–1085 °C for the mechanocomposite with the composition Cu20Sn, the value of these thermal effects is significantly reduced (to 0.79, 16.29 and 36 J/g, respectively) relative to an alloy of similar composition obtained by metallurgical methods. The following criteria of estimation of the most probable processes of structural-phase transformations are proposed based on the energy state of mechanocomposites: the structure of the composite is activated at ΔEε << ΔEs; new phases (solid solutions, intermetallic compounds) are formed at ΔEε ≈ ΔEs; the structure ordering processes take place at ΔEε > ΔEs. The decrease in the values of the energy of elastic deformations ΔEε during prolonged mechanical alloying may indicate the increase of the role of the diffusion processes and the formation of ordered structures, which will contribute to the increase of thermal stability of the grain boundaries. According to these criteria, the dose of the introduced mechanical energy to obtain hardened mechanocomposites of the Cu-Sn composition is to meet the conditions: D ≥ 3.4 kJ/g for Cu-Sn mechanocomposites; D ≥ 37.8 kJ/g for Fe-Ga mechanocomposites.

Compared to control longan, DCC-treated longan had higher pulp breakdown index, lower ATP, ADP and EC levels, and lower H + , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ -ATPase activities. On day 6, DCC-treated longan presented 18% higher pulp breakdown index, with 44%, 9% and 31% lower levels of ATP, ADP and EC, respectively. Additionally, DCC-treated longan showed 29%, 53%, 37% lower activity of H + -ATPase, 34%, 54%, 4% lower activity of Ca 2+ -ATPase, and 13%, 21%, 6% lower activity of Mg 2+ -ATPase in the membranes of plasma, vacuole, and mitochondria, respectively. Whereas, DS-treated longan manifested the opposite trends of DCC treatment. These results suggest that the accelerated pulp breakdown in DCC-treated longan was linked to energy deficiency and reduced energy production. However, DS treatment restrained pulp breakdown occurrence in fresh longan by maintaining a higher energy level through the elevated energy production and ATPase activity., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Hypercortisolism or Cushing's disease, which corresponds to the excessive levels of cortisol hormone, is associated with tiredness and fatigue during the day and disturbed sleep at night. Our goal is to employ a wearable brain machine interface architecture to regulate one's energy levels in hypercortisolism. In the present simulation study, we generate multi-day cortisol profile data for ten subjects both in healthy and disease conditions. To relate an internal hidden cognitive energy state to one's cortisol secretion patterns, we employ a state-space model. Particularly, we consider circadian upper and lower bound envelopes on cortisol levels, and timings of hypothalamic pulsatile activity underlying cortisol secretions as continuous and binary observations, respectively. To estimate the hidden cognitive energy-related state, we use Bayesian filtering. In our proposed architecture, we infer one's cognitive energy-related state using wearable devices rather than monitoring the brain activity directly and close the loop utilizing fuzzy control. To model actuation in the real-time closed-loop architecture, we simulate two types of medications that result in increasing and decreasing the energy levels in the body. Finally, we close the loop using a knowledge-based control approach. The results on ten simulated profiles verify how the proposed architecture is able to track the energy state and regulate it using hypothetical medications. In a simulation study based on experimental data, we illustrate the feasibility of designing a wearable brain machine interface architecture for energy regulation in hypercortisolism. This simulation study is a first step toward the ultimate goal of managing hypercortisolism in real-world situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypercortisolism or Cushing's disease, which corresponds to the excessive levels of cortisol hormone, is associated with tiredness and fatigue during the day and disturbed sleep at night. Our goal is to employ a wearable brain machine interface architecture to regulate one's energy levels in hypercortisolism. In the present simulation study, we generate multi-day cortisol profile data for ten subjects both in healthy and disease conditions. To relate an internal hidden cognitive energy state to one's cortisol secretion patterns, we employ a state-space model. Particularly, we consider circadian upper and lower bound envelopes on cortisol levels, and timings of hypothalamic pulsatile activity underlying cortisol secretions as continuous and binary observations, respectively. To estimate the hidden cognitive energy-related state, we use Bayesian filtering. In our proposed architecture, we infer one's cognitive energy-related state using wearable devices rather than monitoring the brain activity directly and close the loop utilizing fuzzy control. To model actuation in the real-time closed-loop architecture, we simulate two types of medications that result in increasing and decreasing the energy levels in the body. Finally, we close the loop using a knowledge-based control approach. The results on ten simulated profiles verify how the proposed architecture is able to track the energy state and regulate it using hypothetical medications. In a simulation study based on experimental data, we illustrate the feasibility of designing a wearable brain machine interface architecture for energy regulation in hypercortisolism. This simulation study is a first step toward the ultimate goal of managing hypercortisolism in real-world situations.

Existing particle crushing models and crushing criteria relying on the stress–strain state have the limitations of inaccuracy and single crushing behavior. It is well known that energy is the essential factor that drives particle crushing. This paper aims to reveal the crushing process of ballast particles more accurately from the perspective of energy. In this study, a series of single-particle uniaxial compression tests (SPUCT) were conducted using a high-speed camera system. The multi-stage crushing behavior and crushing characteristics of the particles have then been investigated. Energy state during particle crushing was analyzed. Finally, an energy-based multi-stage crushing model and crushing criterion for particles were proposed and validated by performing SPUCT on 10 new particles. The results show that: there is a significant difference between the characteristic stress-characteristic strain states when particles with similar shapes and sizes are crushed, the proposed multi-stage crushing theory accurately explains this complex crushing behavior; The evolution of the input energy, strain energy, and dissipation energy of the particles is consistent with the crushing characteristics; The energy-based multi-stage crushing model can avoid the limitation of using the characteristic stress-characteristic strain states, and the energy-based multi-stage crushing criterion can effectively capture the crushing behavior of particles. This study is very helpful in elucidating the mechanism of particle crushing from the perspective of energy evolution. [Display omitted] • The multi-stage crushing behavior aligns more with the actual crushing. • The energy during the whole crushing process are systematically investigated. • The multi-stage crushing model and criterion based on energy are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate understanding of energy load curves is the key for effective management of factory energy systems and basis for several energy applications (e.g. forecasts, anomaly detection). While load curve analysis has been a research topic with practical significance in many areas, there is a lack of methods particularly to evaluate different temporal transitions between energy states. Consequently, related energy saving potentials on factory level remain undetected. Against this background, the paper presents a methodology combining unsupervised univariate clustering and multivariate prediction based methods. Within an automotive use case for anomaly detection in energy performance management, those methods are getting applied and validated with real factory data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycogen shortage during fasting coincides with dramatic changes in hepatic adenine nucleotide levels. The aim of this work was to study the relevance of liver glycogen in the regulation of the hepatic energy state during food deprivation. To this end, we examined the response of mice with sustained increased liver glycogen content to prolonged fasting. In order to increase hepatic glycogen content, we generated mice that overexpress protein targeting to glycogen (PTG) in the liver (PTGOE mice). Control and PTGOE mice were fed ad libitum or fasted for 36 h. Upon fasting, PTGOE mice retained significant hepatic glycogen stores and maintained hepatic energy status. Furthermore, we show that liver glycogen controls insulin sensitivity, gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, and ketogenesis upon nutrient deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of tests concerning the value of surface free energy on the basis of measurements of contact angle with measure liquids: distilled water and diiodomethane. The surface of steel-316L samples was modified in an ozone atmosphere, and the concentration of ozone and the conditioning time of the samples in the reaction chamber were changed. The results of tests concerning the measurements of the value of surface free energy were subject to analysis. Also analysed were the components of SFE: the polar and dispersive components. The obtained test results were analysed in statistical terms. The paper ends with conclusions.

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Primary frequency control (PFC) has become increasingly important for the stable operation of power systems due to the development of renewable energy resources, and the thermal power units still need to provide satisfactory PFC services. The energy stored in metal and working fluid are the main impact factors for PFC. This paper proposed a universal assessment mechanism to evaluate PFC capability for thermal power plants under various working conditions by decomposing and quantifying the energy state, especially under flexible operating processes. A transient heat current model describes the dynamic process by constructing the relation of different parameters in overheated components at various energy states. In this study, the PFC dynamic response ability of a 600 MW supercritical power plant under various working conditions is quantified based on the proposed modeling. The maximum load regulation amount decreases from 6.0% to 1.69% with a decrease in the load. Compared to the theoretical calculation results with the experimental data of actual PFC tests, the proposed mechanism of the dynamic response of PFC assessment is more precise, with an accuracy of 97.85%, which has a significant meaning in guiding the PFC services in the power grid and regulating the power plants. • Constructed a new energy state-based model by heat current method. • Proposed a novel PFC capability assessment model under dynamic processes. • Considered the boiler and the turbine sides in the PFC simultaneously. • Validated the new model with various frequency deviations by field experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the gaseous and the solid states, the liquid state does not have a simple model that could be developed into a quantitative theory. A central issue in the understanding of liquids is to estimate the energy state of liquids. Here, on the basis of our recent studies on crystal melting, we show that the energy sate of liquids may be reasonably approximated by the energy and volume of a vacancy. Consequently, estimation of the liquid state energy is significantly simplified comparing with previous methods that inevitably invoke many-body interactions. Accordingly, a possible equation for the state for liquids is proposed. On this basis, it seems that a simple model for liquids is in sight.

Neutrophil activation is an important mechanism of host defense against pathogens. Chronic inflammation and autoimmunity are often associated with abnormalities in phenotype and functions of neutrophils. Since effector functions of immune cells during inflammation are tightly linked to their metabolic state, changes in neutrophil metabolome upon activation have been investigated in this study. Human neutrophils from healthy blood donors (n = 6) were treated either with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), whereas untreated neutrophils were used as control. Since apoptotic cells are abundant at sites of inflammation, the metabolome of aged, mainly apoptotic neutrophils was analyzed too. NMR spectroscopy of water-soluble metabolites revealed a clear distinction between aged neutrophils and neutrophils in control and activated samples. Higher levels of NAD+ (4- to 9-fold) and lower levels of ATP (0.3-fold), glutathione (0.8-fold), hypotaurine (0.8-fold), and phosphocholine (0.6-fold) were detected in aged neutrophils than in the other samples. Differences in metabolic profiles between LPS and TNF-α-stimulated cells as well as between stimulated and control neutrophils were statistically not significant. Replication with additional six blood donors confirmed increased NAD+ levels in aged cells compared to activated and control neutrophils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevention of the metabolic consequences of a chronic energy-dense/high-fat diet (HFD) represents a public health priority. Metformin is a strong candidate to be incorporated in alternative therapeutic approaches. We used a targeted metabolomic approach to assess changes related to the multi-faceted metabolic disturbances provoked by HFD. We evaluated the protective effects of metformin and explored how pro-inflammatory and metabolic changes respond when mice rendered obese, glucose-intolerant and hyperlipidemic were switched to diet reversal with or without metformin. Mice treated with metformin and diet-reversal showed a dramatically improved protection against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, a beneficial effect that was accompanied by a lowering of liver-infiltrating pro-inflammatory macrophages and lower release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Metformin combined with diet reversal promoted effective weight loss along with better glucose control, lowered levels of circulating cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduced adipose tissue content. Our findings underscored the ability of metformin to target the contribution of branched chain amino acids to adipose tissue metabolism while suppressing mitochondrial-dependent biosynthesis in hepatic tissue. The relationship between adipose tissue and liver might provide clinical potential for combining metformin and dietary modifications to protect against the metabolic damage occurring upon excessive dietary fat intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the present study is to define the dynamic mechanical response of multi-story structures acted upon by wind. Structural response is associated to the dynamically applied wind and is approached by considering its three components: static, kinematic and energy states. Proposed objective is achieved by structural dynamic analyses performed on multi-story steel structures in elastic domain. The dynamic model is the multi-degree of freedom system associated to lateral story level displacements. Dynamic forces are computed from recorded velocities of wind through a simple velocity - pressure - force transform. The matriceal differential equation of wind induced vibratory state is dealt with by both, direct integration and modal decomposition. The three components of the mechanical state are expressed via base shear force - the static state, lateral story-level displacements - the kinematic state and wind induced energy - the energy state. Modal decomposition of the dynamic response allows for immediate computation of modal contribution to the total wind response. Computed values of the parameters are numerically and graphically presented and commented. Relevant conclusions are inferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of tests concerning the value of surface free energy on the basis of measurements of contact angle with measure liquids: distilled water and diiodomethane. The surface of steel-316L samples was modified in an ozone atmosphere, and the concentration of ozone and the conditioning time of the samples in the reaction chamber were changed. The results of tests concerning the measurements of the value of surface free energy were subject to analysis. Also analysed were the components of SFE: the polar and dispersive components. The obtained test results were analysed in statistical terms. The paper ends with conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channels in mitochondria of rat hepatocytes and their role in energy state of the cells via investigation of the ryanodine effect on mitochondrial membrane potential. Oxygen consumption was measured by polarography using the Clark electrode. The substrates of oxidation such as pyruvate (5mM), α-ketoglutarate (5mM), or succinate (5mM) were used. Oxidative phosphorylation was stimulated by the addition of adenosine diphosphate (200nM). Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using a voltage-sensitive fluorescent probe tetramethylrhodamine-methyl-ester (0.1μM) and was analyzed by a flow cytometer. To evaluate the intact mitochondria, we used carbonil cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP, 10μM). Changes in the ionized calcium concentration in rat liver mitochondria were measured using a fluorescent probe Fluo-4 AM. Effect of ryanodine on oxygen consumption of rat liver mitochondria depends on the oxidation substrate and the incubation time. Oxidation of pyruvate in the presence of ryanodine (0.05μM) decreased the membrane potential of rat liver mitochondria by 38.4%. At higher concentrations, ryanodine (0.1μM or 1μM) led to decrease of membrane potential by 51.7% and 42.8%, respectively. In contrast, oxidation of α-ketoglutarate in the presence of ryanodine (0.05μM) increased mitochondrial membrane potential by 16.8%. However, at higher concentrations, ryanodine (0.1μM or 1μM) triggered a decreasing of membrane potential by 42.5% and 31.0%, respectively. Therefore, ryanodine at various concentrations (0.05μM, 0.1μM, or 1μM) causes differential effects on Ca2+ concentration in the mitochondria matrix under oxidation of pyruvate or α-ketoglutarate. The data suggest the presence of ryanodine receptors in mitochondrial membrane of rat hepatocytes. Their inhibition with higher concentrations of ryanodine leads to decreasing of intra-mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration and affecting the energy state of mictochondria in hepatocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucocorticoids participate in the arousal of stress responses and trigger physiological adjustments that shift energy away from reproduction toward survival. Ovarian follicular development in avians is accompanied by the supply of yolk precursors, which are mainly synthesized in the liver. Therefore, we hypothesized energy status and hepatic lipogenesis are involved in the induction of reproductive disorders by glucocorticoids in laying hens. The results show that corticosterone decreased the laying performance by suppressing follicular development in energy-deficit state, rather than in energy-sufficient state. In corticosterone-treated hens, the suppressed follicular development was associated with the reduced availability of yolk precursor, indicated by the plasma concentration of VLDL and vitellogenin and the decreased proportion of yolk-targeted VLDL (VLDLy). Corticosterone decreased the expression of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein VLDL-II in the liver. A drop in VLDL receptor content and an increase in the expression of tight junction proteins occludin and claudin1 were also observed in hierarchical follicles. The results suggest corticosterone-suppressed follicular development is energy dependent. The decreased apolipoprotein synthesis and VLDLy secretion by liver are responsible for the decreased availability of circulating yolk precursor, and the upregulation of occludin and claudin expression further prevents yolk deposition into oocytes.

Background: When facing a novel situation, animals can retreat or leave to avoid risks, but will miss potential resources and opportunities. Alternatively they may reduce environmental uncertainty by exploration, while risking no energy rewards and exposure to hazards, and use the information retrieved for subsequent decision making. When exploring, however, animals may adopt different tactics according to individual states. Results: We tested that energy states will affect exploratory behavior by experimenting with wild-caught untrained Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) in fasted or fed states exploring in a novel space with hidden food supply in different patch distribution patterns. Our data revealed that fasted sparrows risked being earlier explorers more often, initiated more exploratory bouts before patches were found, and stayed longer on the ground under both patch patterns. Fasted sparrows discovered more patches and consumed more food than fed sparrows in dispersed, but not necessary so in clumped, patch patterns; whereas fed birds also increased patch finding to a certain level in dispersed patterns. Sparrows of both energy states, however, did not differ in feeding rates in either patch pattern. Conclusions: Exploratory behavior of tree sparrows is state-dependent, which supports our prediction that birds with an energy shortage will be risk-prone and explore more readily. Our study also indicates a game nature of tree sparrow exploratory behavior in a group context when explorers are in different energy states and are exposed to different patch distributions. Birds of lower energy state adopting an active exploring tactic may be favored by obtaining higher energy gains in dispersed patch patterns with lower patch richness. More satiated birds, however, achieved a similar feeding rate by lowered exposure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the formation mechanisms of separation layers formed by wear products of metal-polymer tribological systems components are given. It is shown that these formation mechanisms determine work and kinetics of separation layers frictional interaction. Using the barrier model was justified the formation of "charge mosaic" on counter-surface of tribological system. This mosaic leads to the formation of local transfer areas followed by their transforming into a stable separation layer that defines mechanisms of friction and wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevention of the metabolic consequences of a chronic energy-dense/high-fat diet (HFD) represents a public health priority. Metformin is a strong candidate to be incorporated in alternative therapeutic approaches. We used a targeted metabolomic approach to assess changes related to the multi-faceted metabolic disturbances provoked by HFD. We evaluated the protective effects of metformin and explored how pro-inflammatory and metabolic changes respond when mice rendered obese, glucose-intolerant and hyperlipidemic were switched to diet reversal with or without metformin. Mice treated with metformin and diet-reversal showed a dramatically improved protection against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, a beneficial effect that was accompanied by a lowering of liver-infiltrating pro-inflammatory macrophages and lower release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Metformin combined with diet reversal promoted effective weight loss along with better glucose control, lowered levels of circulating cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduced adipose tissue content. Our findings underscored the ability of metformin to target the contribution of branched chain amino acids to adipose tissue metabolism while suppressing mitochondrial-dependent biosynthesis in hepatic tissue. The relationship between adipose tissue and liver might provide clinical potential for combining metformin and dietary modifications to protect against the metabolic damage occurring upon excessive dietary fat intake.

Background & Aims It is proposed that p38 is involved in gluconeogenesis, however, the genetic evidence is lacking and precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. We sought to delineate the role of hepatic p38α in gluconeogenesis during fasting by applying a loss-of-function genetic approach. Methods We examined fasting glucose levels, performed pyruvate tolerance test, imaged G6Pase promoter activity, as well as determined the expression of gluconeogenic genes in mice with a targeted deletion of p38α in liver. Results were confirmed both in vivo and in vitro by using an adenoviral dominant-negative form of p38α (p38α-AF) and the constitutively active mitogen-activated protein kinase 6, respectively. Adenoviral dominant-negative form of AMP-activated protein kinase α (DN-AMPKα) was employed to test our proposed model. Results Mice lacking hepatic p38α exhibited reduced fasting glucose level and impaired gluconeogenesis. Interestingly, hepatic deficiency of p38α did not result in an alteration in CREB phosphorylation, but led to an increase in AMPKα phosphorylation. Adenoviral DN-AMPKα could abolish the effect of p38α-AF on gluconeogenesis. Knockdown of up-steam transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 decreased the AMPKα phosphorylation induced by p38α-AF, suggesting a negative feedback loop. Consistently, inverse correlations between p38 and AMPKα phosphorylation were observed during fasting and in diabetic mouse models. Importantly, adenoviral p38α-AF treatment ameliorated hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. Conclusions Our study provides evidence that hepatic p38α functions as a negative regulator of AMPK signaling in maintaining gluconeogenesis, dysregulation of this regulatory network contributes to unrestrained gluconeogenesis in diabetes, and hepatic p38α could be a drug target for hyperglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Complex studies of initial and acquired properties suiting materials. Methods. Research methods based on methods and devices for evaluating the visco - elastic properties of the method of shifting, dynamic performance evaluation bending stiffness and efficiency impact processes of modification materials energy state organs and systems of organs. Results. Influence of parameters of gluing (temperature and time) on the durability of glutinous connection; investigated visco - elastic properties of source materials and packages based on them; defined local area machining of parts jacket with bioactive components. Scientific novelty. Carried out a comprehensive assessment of visco - elastic properties of costume materials and first proposed modification of local areas jacket colloidal solution CuI and assess their impact on the functional state of human organs. The practical significance. On the basis of comprehensive studies carried out the comparative characteristics of primary and acquired properties that must be considered in the manufacture of clothing, the local zone defined machining of parts jacket with bioactive components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor aircraft energy management can lead to unsafe and inefficient operations. Despite their impact on safety and economy, energy management skills are not adequately taught or evaluated in civilian pilot training. This paper 1) addresses the need for better energy management training, 2) provides a conceptual and pedagogical framework for later curriculum development, and 3) suggests key attributes of an effective training program. To make the case, the study uses energy management to link safety and efficiency. It then synthesizes energy principles across disciplines and illustrates how such principles, once simplified, become powerful instructional tools. Finally, it suggests that an integrated, energy-centered, top-down training approach will lead to a better mental model of how the airplane works and, in doing so, to enhanced energy management and decision-making skills for safe and efficient operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a research method for the exploratory analysis of non-compliant municipal waste landfills by determining the gas composition of emissions. The proposed method has the following stages: establishing municipal landfill surface contour by topographic measurements; setting measuring points on the deposit surface; setting the number of points needed and their spatial coordinate; field location of points for making exploratory measurements; making and recording spatial and temporal exploratory measurements; drawing the concentration distribution maps determined by the topographic structure analyzed; exploratory analysis and interpretation of measurement results and potential energy area determination. The method was used for "Pata Rat" non-compliant landfill, nearby Cluj-Napoca (Romania). Results interpretation shows that the stored amount suffered an important decrease by waste degradation reactions. The description of the current state of the deposit is made by analyzing the landfill gas composition. This sets out potential areas that could be further analyzed by determining the evolution of the composition of landfill gas. Basically, the goal is mainly to determine the areas of exploitation potential and less to characterize this area through qualitative and quantitative explanations the degradation reactions. The investigation was done by analysing deposit composition and landfill gas flow in storage conditions, related to a non-compliant landfill with 35 years of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes are found at various energy levels and such females must choose between seeking somatic energy from sugar sources and obtaining both somatic and gametic energy from blood hosts. We used a straight-tube olfactometer containing a simulated unobtainable blood host (human foot smell protected by a net) as well as a sugar source (honey odor). We assessed female probing rate and residence time at the net as a function of energy state (0, 24, 48, 72-h starved). In our trials, 0-h starved females showed low response to human odor, low probing rate, and residence time at the human odor site. By contrast, both 48 and 72-h individuals showed high response to foot odor, longer residence time, and higher probing rates. Seventy-two-h females also flew towards the honey source less often than other groups. Our findings suggest that managing sugar sources might be a viable strategy for influencing mosquito biting behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ambiocor (15 mg/100 ml), which contains natural substrates of energy metabolism, on the contractility of papillary muscle of the right ventricle of rat heart was studied at stimulation frequencies from 0.1 to 3.0 Hz at a temperature of 30 ± 1°C ( n = 7). The effect was recorded 20 min after the addition of the preparation. It was demonstrated that ambiocor causes a significant (about 70%), independent of stimulation frequency, suppression of the amplitude of isometric contractions (negative inotropic effect), which is coupled with an increase in the relative value of the rest potentiation effect (a qualitative index of calcium content in SR). The influence of the mixture leads to significant alterations in the time parameters of the 'contraction-relaxation' cycle: an increase in the duration of latent period; and a decrease in the time to peak tension and half-relaxation time. The effect of the mixture is partially reversible. During washing off the preparation with the control solution, the qualitative indicators of the contractile activity of papillary muscle are substantially improved in comparison with the initial ones. The character of alterations allows one to assume that the effect of ambiocor in the papillary muscle of the rat heart is realized partly through the suppression of the activity of sarcolemmal calcium channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquito biting frequency and meal size are considered to be important parameters in the epidemiology of insect-vectored diseases such as malaria. Because both parameters are likely to depend on the size and energetic state of adult mosquitoes, the present study investigates the effects of body size and energy state on attack behaviours in the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. Attack rates are measured as well as total time spent before giving up for individual females when provided with an unobtainable human hand (i.e. mosquitoes are dislodged every time that they land). The factorial design considers two body sizes, small and large, as well as three sugar deprivation states, 0, 1 and 2 days. The results reveal a positive effect of size on attack rate and a nonlinear effect of energy state, where mosquitoes of intermediate energy state show lower attack rates than either 2-day food-deprived or nondeprived mosquitoes. Moreover, attack rate is negatively associated with persistence time in nondeprived and 2-day food-deprived Anopheles but is unrelated to persistence time in 1-day food-deprived mosquitoes, Interestingly, although persistence times are generally inversely related to attack rates, they are not significantly influenced by either energetic or size states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of lipid oxidation during exercise is controlled at several sites, and there is a reciprocal dependency between oxidation of lipids and carbohydrates (CHO). It is well known that the proportion of the 2 fuels oxidized is influenced by substrate availability and exercise intensity, but the mechanisms regulating fuel preferences remain unclear. During intense exercise, oxidation of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) decreases, and the major control is likely to be at the mitochondrial level. Potential mitochondrial sites for control of lipid oxidation include transport of LCFAs into mitochondrial matrix, β-oxidation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the electron transport chain (ETC). CHO catabolism may impair lipid oxidation by interfering with the transfer of LCFAs into mitochondria and by competing for mutual cofactors (i.e., nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and (or) coenzyme A (CoA)). The different effect of energy state on the catabolism of CHO and lipids is likely to be of major importance in explaining the shift in fuel utilization during intensive exercise. Formation of acetyl-CoA from CHO is activated by a low energy state, and will lead to accumulation of products that are inhibitory to lipid oxidation. In contrast, β-oxidation of LCFAs to acetyl-CoA is not stimulated by a low energy state. Further interaction between CHO and LCFAs may occur by substrate competition for electron carriers at ETC, due to provisions of electrons through different complexes. Feedback inhibition of β-oxidation by redox state is thought to be an important mechanism for the slowing of lipid oxidation during intensive exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Energy states of CdSe/ZnS/CdSe and ZnS/CdSe/ZnS quantum dots were calculated. • Binding energy and radial probability distribution were determined. • The impurity energies of the first and second states of quantum dots are compared. The energy states of an electron in the presence of impurity ion in center of A: CdSe/ZnS/CdSe and B: ZnS/CdSe/ZnS quantum dots were investigated by the numerical method in the framework of the effective mass approximation. The electronic properties of A and B quantum dots including the binding energy and the radial probability distribution have been calculated as a function of core radius while the outer radius of quantum dots was fixed. It was expected that the arrangement of materials with different energy gaps in the two structures would affect the electronic properties. The numerical results have presented that the geometry of these two quantum dots as well as the effect of the quantum confinement which occurs mainly in the core of structure A and in the shell of structure B, has a significant effect on the electronic properties of quantum dots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nutrient and oxygen availability are key metabolic parameters for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. In order to enable mammalian cells to manifest their intracellular nutrient and oxygen levels we engineered a genetic sensor circuitry which converts signals impinging on the cellular redox balance into a robust reporter gene expression readout. Capitalizing on the Streptomyces coelicolor redox control system, consisting of REX modulating ROP-containing promoters in an NADH-dependent manner, we designed a mammalian dual sensor transcription control system by fusing REX to the generic VP16 transactivation domain of Herpes simplex, which reconstitutes an artificial transactivator (REDOX) able to bind and activate chimeric promoters assembled by placing a ROP operator module 5′ of a minimal eukaryotic promoter (PROP). When nutrient levels were low and resulted in depleted NADH pools REDOX-dependent PROP-driven expression of secreted (human-secreted alkaline phosphatase; SEAP) or intracellular (Renilla reniformis luciferase; rLUC) reporter genes was high as a consequence of increased REDOX–PROP affinity. Conversely, at hypoxic conditions leading to high intracellular NADH levels, strongly reduced REDOX–PROP interaction mediated low-level transgene expression in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells. Other molecules (for example, 2,4-dinitrophenol, cyanide or hydrogen peroxide) which are known to imbalance the intracellular NADH/NAD+ poise could also be detected using the REDOX–PROP sensor circuitry. REDOX''s sensor capacity (nutrient and oxygen levels) operated seamlessly in transgenic CHO-K1 cell derivatives adapted for growth in serum-free suspension cultures and enabled precise monitoring of the population''s metabolic state. As the first genetic metabolic sensor designed for mammalian cells, REDOX may foster advances in process development and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Position, time and temperature are the fundamental variables that describe the local energy state of electrons. In general, ionization defined only in terms of the average behavior of the electrons over an atom. The velocity, acceleration and path type of the electron will be different for electrons at different position, time and temperature in the atom since electrons are known to occupy different orbits depending on shell-type that would vary from atom to atom. These variations when summed for millions and billions of electrons can be significant in situations where the assumed qualitative character of physical events will affect the quantitative outcome, particularly when the results are brought up to the engineering scale. The accuracy required for identifying the initiation mechanism of aging of metals in contrast to that of stress corrosion may be quite different, not to mention the added effects of the environment involving high temperature and/or irradiation. The activities of the electrons near the peripheral region of the atom have known to dominate the engineering properties of matter. They, however, are least known in quantum physics because past interest has been centered on releasing energy from the atomic nucleus. The advent of nanotechnology has given hopes to the engineers that they may soon find the answers to their problems at the subatomic scale level with the assistance of high resolution electron microscopes where the detail observation of electron behavior may be made possible in the not too distant future. It is with this spirit that an initial effort is made to find the interdependence relation for the position r, time t and temperature T of an electron traveling at constant velocity and constant acceleration. The difference is explored by keeping in mind that the long journey cannot start without taking the first step. In this respect, the behavior of electrons in a hydrogen atom will be taken as the model to show that electrons move rapidly in the atom at 2.188×108 cm/s. The approach applies to other atoms with valence bands. The electron velocity can change by one order of magnitude even without accounting for deformities due to vibrations and non-circular orbits. These details can be accounted for and are dictated by the activated energy state of the atoms and the ways with which masses and/or energies are converted from one form to another. The present objective is to determine the combined effects of r, t and T on the electron behavior. To reiterate, the method used to obtain the results or the hydrogen atom can be extended to other atoms having valence bands. With attention focused on the electrons, a r–t–T relation is found for the hydrogen similar to that of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle involving the momentum and position of a particle. For electrons traveling at constant velocity, the relation has been found with h and k being, respectively, the Planck’s and Boltzmann’s constant. The Bohr radius is with n =1,2,… being the quantum number. The relation changes to for electrons moving with constant acceleration. The mass of the electron is m. By holding one of the three variables r, t and T constant, uncertainty in the remaining two variables would still prevail with the same interpretation as the Heisenberg principle. To reiterate, different rtT relations can be found for different atoms. However, it suffices to use the hydrogen model to show that the movements of the atoms are highly active near the outer rim of the atoms. Those in the valence band region are of particular interest to the engineers because they dominate the mechanical strength of solids in addition to the macroscopic electrical and optical properties. Even with the current power resolution of TEM and SEM, the chemical decomposition for the alloy damaged at the nanometer scale, say caused by stress corrosion, has revealed the need to examine the detail behavior of the electrons. The available data has already provided useful quantitative information that will lead to the next step of investigation. As the calculations at the subatomic scale gain accuracy and better physical understanding, they can extend the results to larger scales at the atomic and molecular scale and hopefully will connect with results to the multiscale models and take them to the engineering scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Changes in cellular energy and redox states in the C6 glioma cells exposed to increasing concentrations of either Zn or Se were studied to examine whether different elements cause different patterns of changes in cellular metabolism. Following a 3-h exposure, both Zn and Se +4 caused dose-dependent decreases in cell viability and total adenosine nucleotides (TAN = ATP + ADP + AMP). In addition, Zn caused a dose-dependent increase in cellular ATP/TAN and a decrease in the ADP/TAN and AMP/TAN. These changes resulted in a significant increase in energy charge potential (ECP = [ATP + 0.5ADP]/TAN). Se +4 , on the other hand, caused a dose-dependent decrease in ATP/TAN but an increase in both ADP/TAN and AMP/TAN, resulting in a dose-dependent decrease in ECP. Both Zn and Se +4 caused a dose-dependent decrease in GSH/GSSG and an increase in GSH + GSSG when compared to TAN. In contrast to Zn and Se +4 , the nontoxic Se +6 caused no significant changes in cellular energy states but reduced the GSH/GSSG ratio from 3.14 ± 0.49 to 2.05 ± 0.29, which could be explained by the effect of Se on enzymes responsible for GSH metabolism. As the cellular ATP level has been considered an important element that mediates the mode of cell death, it was suggested that a significant increase in ATP/TAN upon exposure to Zn would indicate that cell death occurred via apoptosis, while Se +4 caused a different pattern of cell death. This was confirmed by the appearance of cells with fragmented nucleus in cells treated with Zn, but not Se +4 and Se +6 . The results demonstrated that different chemicals caused different patterns of metabolic changes. The correlation between metabolic changes and the mode of cell death was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]