Contact Surface Area Research Articles

Levels of Phthalate Acid Esters in Drinking Water Bottled in PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PC (Polycarbonates) Bottles - stored under Different Storage Conditions in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Bottled drinking water is widely advertised and sold in glass or, to a greater extent, plastic bottles with metallic or plastic caps, and is regularly drank by both children and adults. Mwanza City markets have many brands of bottled drinking water packed in PET and PC plastic bottles whose polymers may contain additives such as phthalates. Certain cancer types, hormone imbalances, and developmental delays have all been connected to these phthalates, which are harmful to human health. This study investigated, the effects of storage conditions, time spent in storage, and type of container polymer on the leaching of phthalates from packaging materials into particular brands of locally produced PC and PET bottled drinking water that are regularly consumed by adults and children and sold in Mwanza City markets. The method of determination was liquid-liquid extraction followed by chromatographic analysis for identification of the specific phthalates compounds.
 The results that the lowest mean Di methyl phthalates (DMP) concentration in water packed in PET bottles was 0.085 µg/mL before storage and that the mean DMP concentration increased to 0.235 µg/mL following six months of storage at room temperature and outdoor temperature. Additionally, the 18.9-liter PET bottle migrated higher than the 1.5-liter PET bottle due to its larger surface area for water contact and higher surface-to-volume ratio; however, it was found that production contamination, not migration, was the cause of the higher Di methyl phthalates concentrations in the PC bottles. These findings suggest that storing PET bottles containing drinking water at room and outdoor temperatures for an extended period of time directly impacts phthalate migration. Furthermore, this study shows reusing plastic water bottles raises the risk that the inner surface will deteriorate and release more phthalates, which raises concerns about the safety of drinking water that has been prepared and stored in a plastic bottle.

Mathematical Modeling of the Bearing Ratio Curve Rmr (50% Rz), through Investigation of the Effect of Process Parameters in Hard Turning of Steel C55 (DIN) with Mixed Ceramics MC2 (Al2O3 + TiC)

The subject of modeling and predicting roughness parameters in hard machining has been discussed in many literature sources. However, most of these sources cover only the amplitude parameters such as Ra and Rz, leaving it unexplored to the right extent compared to its importance the roughness parameter bearing ratio curve (the Abbott–Firestone curve) which is essential in understanding the actual contact area of mating surfaces. To bridge this gap, this research has developed a mathematical model using the design of experiments method through investigation of the effect of process parameters in hard turning of Steel C55 (DIN) with mixed ceramics MC2 (Al2O3 + TiC). The model predicts the bearing ratio curve parameter Rmr (50% Rz), statistically processed using CADEX and Matlab. The research includes the ANOVA as a complementary tool in validating the generated mathematical model. The research analyzes the effects of material properties, cutting forces, and tool geometry as factors that affect the machining process. Additionally, it emphasizes the robustness of hard turning in consistently producing waviness patterns. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the predictable effects of parameters on machined surfaces, which contributes to a better understanding of surface finish in metalworking.

Fully Automated Versions of Clinically Validated Nephrometry Scores Demonstrate Superior Predictive Utility versus Human Scores.

To automate the generation of three validated nephrometry scoring systems on preoperative computerised tomography (CT) scans by developing artificial intelligence (AI)-based image processing methods. Subsequently, we aimed to evaluate the ability of these scores to predict meaningful pathological and perioperative outcomes. A total of 300 patients with preoperative CT with early arterial contrast phase were identified from a cohort of 544 consecutive patients undergoing surgical extirpation for suspected renal cancer. A deep neural network approach was used to automatically segment kidneys and tumours, and then geometric algorithms were used to measure the components of the concordance index (C-Index), Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical classification of renal tumours (PADUA), and tumour contact surface area (CSA) nephrometry scores. Human scores were independently calculated by medical personnel blinded to the AI scores. AI and human score agreement was assessed using linear regression and predictive abilities for meaningful outcomes were assessed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. The median (interquartile range) age was 60 (51-68) years, and 40% were female. The median tumour size was 4.2 cm and 91.3% had malignant tumours. In all, 27% of the tumours were high stage, 37% high grade, and 63% of the patients underwent partial nephrectomy. There was significant agreement between human and AI scores on linear regression analyses (R ranged from 0.574 to 0.828, all P < 0.001). The AI-generated scores were equivalent or superior to human-generated scores for all examined outcomes including high-grade histology, high-stage tumour, indolent tumour, pathological tumour necrosis, and radical nephrectomy (vs partial nephrectomy) surgical approach. Fully automated AI-generated C-Index, PADUA, and tumour CSA nephrometry scores are similar to human-generated scores and predict a wide variety of meaningful outcomes. Once validated, our results suggest that AI-generated nephrometry scores could be delivered automatically from a preoperative CT scan to a clinician and patient at the point of care to aid in decision making.

Construction of PDA-PEI/ZIF-L@PE tight ultra-filtration (TUF) membranes on porous polyethylene (PE) substrates for efficient dye/salt separation

Tight ultra-filtration (TUF) membranes were constructed by in situ growing zinc imidazole frameworks micro-crystalline leaves (ZIF-L) in polyethylene imine (PEI) and polydopamine (PDA) deposit layers on porous polyethylene (PE) substrates. The effects of preparation conditions on the surface physical and chemical structures as well as on the dye/salt separation performance of the formed TUF membranes were systematically investigated. By inserting selective water permeation channels and increasing contacting surface areas, in situ-grown ZIF-L arrays tightly cross-linked in the coating matrix greatly increased water permeation without trading off dye/salt retention selectivity. The morphology of the included ZIF-L particles could be varied by adjusting the ligand/Zn molar ratio (α) in the preparation processes. Optimized PDA-PEI/ZIF-L@PE TUF membranes containing ZIF-L of cross-cross block morphology showed very high pure water permeability of 180 ± 20 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 (LMHB) and retention selectivity (SCR/Na2SO4 and SMB/Na2SO4) of 267 and 43, respectively, as well as excellent stability and anti-fouling properties.

An Ultrasensitive Room-Temperature H2 Sensor Based on a TiO2 Rutile–Anatase Homojunction

Metal oxide semiconductor hetero- and homojunctions are commonly constructed to improve the performance of hydrogen sensors at room temperature. In this study, a simple two-step hydrothermal method was employed to prepare TiO2 films with homojunctions of rutile and anatase phases (denoted as TiO2-R/A). Then, the microstructure of anatase-phase TiO2 was altered by controlling the amount of hydrochloric acid to realize a more favorable porous structure for charge transport and a larger surface area for contact with H2. The sensor used a Pt interdigital electrode. At an optimal HCl dosage (25 mL), anatase-phase TiO2 uniformly covered rutile-phase TiO2 nanorods, resulting in a greater response to H2 at 2500 ppm compared with that of a rutile TiO2 nanorod sensor by a factor of 1153. The response time was 21 s, mainly because the homojunction formed by the TiO2 rutile and anatase phases increased the synergistic effect of the charge transfer and potential barrier between the two phases, resulting in the formation of more superoxide (O2−) free radicals on the surface. Furthermore, the porous structure increased the surface area for H2 adsorption. The TiO2-R/A-based sensor exhibited high selectivity, long-term stability, and a fast response. This study provides new insights into the design of commercially competitive hydrogen sensors.

Waste‐to‐Energy: Development of a Highly Efficient Keratin Enhanced Chitosan Bio‐Waste‐Derived Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting and Real Applications

AbstractIn this study, a novel and sustainable triboelectric material is successfully designed and developed by extracting keratin from recycled fur and combining it with chitosan to create a keratin/chitosan triboelectric nanogenerator (CK‐TENG) device. The device is designed for the simultaneous treatment of waste and the generation of green and clean energy, crucial for addressing global challenges. CK is prepared through a freeze‐drying method to overcome the weak mechanical properties of keratin and achieve a high surface contact area, which is important for triboelectric properties. The results showed that the output voltage is improved by 375% compared to the TENG without keratin, with values reaching 322 V under a 6 N. It produced a high power density of 14.4 W m−2 and excellent cyclic stability for more than 8000 cycles, which are crucial for practical applications. Further, the potential applications are also studied, and the results showed that it can turn on over 250 light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), display liquid crystal display (LCD), and charge capacitors under 6 N. Moreover, it is successful in harvesting energy from waste vibrations, acoustic energy, and as a shoe, and the electrical output is utilized to power electronic devices. Furthermore, the power density harvested by the device is higher than that of TENG devices made with keratin‐rich materials. Therefore, this study paves the way for the use of keratin‐based bio‐waste materials for clean and green energy production, which can play significant roles in applications such as the charging of electronic devices, biomedicine, sensors, and smart textiles.

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Palm Kernel Shell/Carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (APKS/XNBR) Vulcanizate

Malaysia is one of the most important palm oil producers and exporters in the whole wide world. There has been a rapid development of new palm oil plantations and palm oil mills in this country. The palm oil industry plays a vital role in the economic growth of Malaysia. However, as the palm oil industry grows bigger and wider, a huge amount of palm oil waste is produced which is an alarming issue considering it can cause pollution and have a negative effect on the environment. Raw Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) derived from palm oil waste can be converted into Activated Palm Kernel Shell (APKS) which has the potential to be a value-added biofiller in rubber vulcanizates. Thus, in this study, APKS is prepared through a carbonization process at a temperature of 900 °C and an activation process via steam treatment and used as filler in Carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (XNBR). The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of different loading ratios of APKS on theswelling index measurement, bound rubber content (BRC), abrasion resistance, compression set, and hardness of XNBR vulcanizates. APKS is incorporated in XNBR at different loading ratios, ranging from 0 to 50 phr and these APKS-filled XNBR vulcanizates are prepared with a two-roll mill. The overall physico-mechanical properties of APKS-filled XNBR vulcanizates showed increment in terms of BRC, compression set, and hardness as the loading ratio of APKS increased. XNBR vulcanizates with a higher loading ratio of APKS also showed a decrease in swelling index measurement and volume loss which would indicate high abrasion resistance. These results could be attributed to the porosity of APKS as shown in the morphological analysis which provided a high surface area of contact for crosslinking and mechanical interlocking. This proves APKS could potentially be a semi-reinforcing filler for rubber vulcanizates, especially for XNBR vulcanizates as XNBR vulcanizates were able to achieve high abrasion resistance and high hardness with the incorporation of APKS. With this, the conversion of PKS into APKS could help to reduce palm oil waste and provide an environmentally friendly, sustainable biofiller option to rubber researchers and manufacturers who are looking for an alternative to petroleum-based fillers. This would be very beneficial for both the palm oil industry and the rubber industry.

Micro-computed tomography analysis of calcium hydroxide delivery efficacy in C-shaped canal system of mandibular second molars

BackgroundCalcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] is widely accepted as a biocompatible interappointment intracanal medicament. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of Ca(OH)2 placement into the C-shaped canal system of mandibular second molars using the syringe method with and without lentulo spiral utilizing micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).MethodsTwenty-four extracted mandibular second molars were instrumented and classified into C-shaped floors (n = 12) and non-C-shaped floors (n = 12). Both groups were placed with Ca(OH)2 using the syringe system, then all teeth were scanned and cleaned, and placed with Ca(OH)2 again but with the syringe system followed by lentulo spiral and rescanned. The specimens were scanned using micro-CT to analyze the volume, volume percentage, uncontacted surface area, and uncontacted surface area percentage of Ca(OH)2 with the two delivery methods in the entire canal and at the apical 4 mm of the canal. Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to determine the statistical differences among the groups.ResultsSyringe administration used in conjunction with lentulo spiral presented lower uncontacted surface area, a lower percentage of uncontacted surface area, larger volume, and a higher percentage of volume than syringe without lentulo spiral (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the C-shaped floor group and the non-C-shaped floor group (P > 0.05) in the Ca(OH)2 uncontacted surface area, volume, and percentages at different regions of canals and among different delivery techniques groups.ConclusionsThe lentulo spiral and syringe technique combination can increase the volume and contacted surface area of Ca(OH)2 in the C-shaped canal system of mandibular second molars.

Green hairy basil seed mucilage biosorbent for dispersive solid phase extraction enrichment of tetracyclines in bovine milk samples followed by HPLC analysis

Unmodified hairy basil seed mucilage (Ocimum basilicum L.), with attractive features as structural functionality and adsorption capacity, was employed as a green biosorbent for dispersive solid phase extraction and enrichment of oxytetracycline, tetracycline, and doxycycline before quantitation by HPLC-UV for the first time. Hairy basil crushed seed increased the contacting surface area and was completely dispersed in the sample solution to extract tetracyclines under acidic condition with the assistance of ultrasonic waves. The analytes in the extraction phase were separated on a C18 column under isocratic condition with a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and trifluoroacetic acid. Influence of chemical and physical variables on the extraction efficiency of the developed method was investigated and optimized systematically. Under the optimal condition of all experimental parameters, good linear ranges were obtained at 15.0–500 μg L−1 for tetracyclines with determination coefficients more than 0.9994. Limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) ranged 5.0–7.0 and 15.0 μg L−1, respectively. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the proposed method at 100 and 300 μg L−1 for TCs were less than 13 % and 10 %, respectively with percentage TC recoveries from spiked standard ranging 83.1–109.9 %. This simple, reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method was successfully applied for the analysis of tetracycline residues in milk. The greenness of the proposed method was assessed using the Analytical Eco-Scale and AGREE protocol.

Comparison of double chevron-cut and biplanar distal femoral osteotomy techniques: A biomechanical study.

This study aimed to compare the stability and mechanical properties of the double chevron-cut (DCC) and biplanar (BP) distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) techniques, along with analyzing their respective contact surface areas. Biomechanical testing was performed using sawbone and 3D modeling techniques to assess axial and torsional stability, torsional stiffness, and maximum torque of both osteotomy configurations. Additionally, 3D models of the sawbone femur were created to calculate and compare the contact surface area of the DCC, BP, and conventional single-plane DFO techniques. Axial stiffness and maximum strength did not significantly differ between the two osteotomy techniques. However, in terms of torsional properties, the DCC technique exhibited superior torsional stiffness compared to the BP group (27 ± 7.7 Nm/° vs. 4.5 ± 1.5 Nm/°, p = 0.008). Although the difference in maximum torque did not reach statistical significance (63 ± 10.6 vs. 56 ± 12.1, p = 0.87), it is noteworthy that the DCC group sawbone model exhibited fracture in the shaft region instead of at the osteotomy site. Therefore, the actual maximum torque of the DCC construct may not be accurately reflected by the numerical values obtained in this study. The contact surface area analysis revealed that the BP configuration had the largest contact surface area, 111% larger than that of the single-plane configuration. but 60% of it relied on the less reliable axial cut. Conversely, the DCC osteotomy offered a 31% larger contact surface area than the single-plane configuration, with both surfaces being weight-bearing. The DCC osteotomy exhibited superior mechanical stability, showing improved rotational stiffness and maximum torque when compared to the BP osteotomy. Although the BP osteotomy resulted in a larger contact surface area than the DCC osteotomy, both were larger than the conventional single-plane configuration. In clinical practice, both the DCC and BP techniques should be evaluated based on patient-specific characteristics and surgical goals.

CT Predictors of Visceral Pleural Invasion in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers 30 mm or Smaller.

Background CT-defined visceral pleural invasion (VPI) is an important indicator of prognosis for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there is a lack of studies focused on small subpleural NSCLCs (≤30 mm). Purpose To identify CT features predictive of VPI in patients with subpleural NSCLCs 30 mm or smaller. Materials and Methods This study is a retrospective review of patients enrolled in the Initiative for Early Lung Cancer Research on Treatment (IELCART) at Mount Sinai Hospital between July 2014 and February 2023. Subpleural nodules 30 mm or smaller were classified into two groups: a pleural-attached group and a pleural-tag group. Preoperative CT features suggestive of VPI were evaluated for each group separately. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex, age, nodule size, and smoking status was used to determine predictive factors for VPI. Model performance was analyzed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and models were compared using Akaike information criterion (AIC). Results Of 379 patients with NSCLC with subpleural nodules, 37 had subsolid nodules and 342 had solid nodules. Eighty-eight patients (22%) had documented VPI, all in solid nodules. Of the 342 solid nodules (46% in male patients, 54% in female patients; median age, 71 years; IQR: 66, 76), 226 were pleural-attached nodules and 116 were pleural-tag nodules. VPI was more frequent for pleural-attached nodules than for pleural-tag nodules (31% [69 of 226] vs 16% [19 of 116], P = .005). For pleural-attached nodules, jellyfish sign (odds ratio [OR], 21.60; P < .001), pleural thickening (OR, 6.57; P < .001), and contact surface area (OR, 1.05; P = .01) independently predicted VPI. The jellyfish sign led to a better VPI prediction (AUC, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.90). For pleural-tag nodules, multiple tags to different pleura surfaces enabled independent prediction of VPI (OR, 9.30; P = .001). Conclusions For patients with solid NSCLC (≤30 mm), CT predictors of VPI were the jellyfish sign, pleural thickening, contact surface area (pleural-attached nodules), and multiple tags to different pleura surfaces (pleural-tag nodules). © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Nishino in this issue.

Insights from in silico study of receptor energetics of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The emergence of new variants of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 with increased infectivity, superior virulence, high transmissibility, and unmatched immune escape has demonstrated the adaptability and evolutionary fitness of the virus. The subject of relative order of the binding affinity of SARS-CoV-2 variants with the human ACE2 (hACE2) receptor is hotly debated and its resolution has implications for drug design and development. In this work, we have investigated the energetics of the binding of receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs): Beta (B.1.351), Delta (B.1.617.2), Omicron (B.1.1.529), variant of interest (VOI): Kappa (B.1.617.1), and Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1) variant with the human ACE2 receptor by using the umbrella sampling (US) method. Our work indicates that Delta and Delta Plus variants have greater values of the US binding free energy than Wild-type (WT), whereas Beta, Kappa, and Omicron variants have lower values. Further analysis of hydrogen bonding, salt bridges, non-bonded interaction energy, and contact surface area at the RBD-hACE2 interface establish Delta as the variant with the highest binding affinity among these variants.

Enhanced electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia with nanostructured Mo2C on carbon nanotube-reduced graphene oxide hybrid support.

The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3-RR) is emerging as a promising method for ammonia production under ambient conditions while simultaneously addressing nitrate pollution. Due to the complexity of NO3-RR, which involves multi-electron/proton transfer and competes with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the development of efficient electrocatalysts with high activity and stability is crucial. In this study, we report the use of Mo2C nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed on a carbon nanotube-reduced graphene oxide hybrid support (Mo2C/CNT-RGO) as an effective electrocatalyst for NO3-RR. The three-dimensional CNT-RGO hybrid provides a large surface area for electrolyte contact, enhanced electrical conductivity, and prevents the aggregation of Mo2C nanoparticles. Consequently, the Mo2C/CNT-RGO electrocatalyst demonstrated high NO3-RR performance, achieving a maximum NH3 production rate of 5.23 mg h-1 cm-2 with a faradaic efficiency of 95.9%. Mo2C/CNT-RGO also exhibited excellent long-term stability during consecutive cycling tests. This work presents a promising strategy for developing high-performance and durable NO3-RR electrocatalysts.

Osteoarthritic Tibiofemoral Joint Contact Characteristics During Weightbearing With Arch-Supported and Standalone Lateral Wedge Insoles.

Imbalanced joint load distribution across the tibiofemoral surface is a risk factor for osteoarthritic changes to this joint. Lateral wedge insoles, with and without arch support, are a form of biomechanical intervention that can redistribute tibiofemoral joint load, as estimated by external measures of knee load. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of these insoles on the internal joint contact characteristics of osteoarthritic knees during weightbearing. Fifteen adults with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the affected knee, while standing under 3 insole conditions: flat control, lateral wedge alone, and lateral wedge with arch support. Images were processed, and the surface area and centroid location of joint contact were quantified separately for the medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartments. Medial contact surface area was increased with the 2 lateral wedge conditions compared with the control (P ≤ .012). A more anterior contact centroid was observed in the medial compartment in the lateral wedge with arch support compared with the lateral wedge alone (P = .009). Significant changes in lateral compartment joint contact outcomes were not observed. These findings represent early insights into how loading at the tibiofemoral interface may be altered by lateral wedge insoles as a potential intervention for knee osteoarthritis.

A method for estimating the contact area of a dual-mobility total hip prosthesis

The term “contact area” refers to the total surface area of two entities in direct physical touch. When discussing an artificial hip joint, “contact area” refers to the surface area of contact between the components of the artificial hip joint (ball and cup) positioned inside the patient. Several methods can be used to figure out the contact area of an artificial hip joint, such as finite element analysis and traditional experiments on contact mechanics with hip joint simulators. The contact area in an artificial hip joint ensures load distribution. For optimal and long-term performance, the prosthetic hip joint’s contact area must be well understood for design, fitting, and monitoring. This study presented a novel method to estimate the liner surface contact area due to interaction contact in the artificial hip joint using a computer-aided design (CAD) program. This study also contrasted numerical approaches utilizing computer-aided engineering software and theoretical predictions based on Hertz theory with three-dimensional processes using CAD software to determine the contact area in the inner liner. There were no significant discrepancies in the outcomes of the three approaches.

SpeedBridge Repair in Degenerative Achilles Tear: A Novel Technique.

Retrocalcaneal pain in late adulthood and athletes has been attributed to insertional Achilles tendinosis (IAT). Another presentation of IAT is a degenerative Achilles tear, which can be partial or complete. Symptomatic patients with failed conservative management are treated by debridement and repair of the Achilles tendon. Often, they need augmentation with a tendon transfer. The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) is the most commonly used tendon for augmentation. The Speed Bridge technique to repair the degenerated tendoachilles tear gives better pullout strength and provides a larger surface area of contact between the bone and tendon. We included 12 patients with symptomatic degenerative Achilles tears repaired with the Speed Bridge technique and FHL augmentation. Post-operatively, all patients were allowed active ankle mobilization on day 1 and were allowed weight bearing as tolerated in an airwalker shoe. All patients went through an accelerated rehabilitation protocol. Pre-operative and post-operative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Hindfoot Score (AOFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were compared for all the patients. The mean age was 58.1 (range 50-68) years. The mean follow-up period was 13.1 (range 12-15) months. The mean pre- and post-operative AOFAS score at 12 months was 59.5 (range 58-71) and 90.2 (range 87-100), respectively. The mean pre-operative VAS for pain was 6.8 (range 6-8), and the mean post-operative VAS score was 0.5 (range 0-2). The mean interval to weight bearing was 8.4 days (range 7-10) days. Our study indicates that accelerated early rehabilitation and an early return to active life are possible with the Speed Bridge technique and FHL augmentation in degenerative Achilles tears. The mean post-operative AOFAS scores were comparable to other studies, but early return to activity, minimal need for immobilization, and accelerated rehabilitation were the advantages of the Speed Bridge technique in the repair of degenerative Achilles tears.

C. elegans Presenilin Mediates Inter-Organelle Contacts and Communication that Is Required for Lysosome Activity.

Compromised lysosome function is implicated in the pathology of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Familial Alzheimer's disease (fAD) is caused primarily by mutations in the presenilin encoding genes, but the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Loss of the conserved C. elegans presenilin orthologue SEL-12 results in increased mitochondrial calcium, which promotes neurodegeneration. Here, we find that sel-12 mutant lysosomes, independent of SEL-12 proteolytic activity, are significantly enlarged and more alkaline due to increased ER-to-mitochondrial calcium signaling and concomitant mitochondrial oxidative stress. These defects and their dependence on mitochondrial calcium are recapitulated in human fAD fibroblasts, demonstrating a conserved role for mitochondrial calcium in presenilin-mediated lysosome dysfunction. sel-12 mutants also have increased contact surface area between the ER, mitochondria, and lysosomes, suggesting sel-12 has an additional role in modulating organelle contact and communication. Overall, we demonstrate that SEL-12 maintains lysosome acidity and lysosome health by controlling ER-to-mitochondrial calcium signaling.

Rheological and strength properties of dynamic loading during cutting of finished flour products

This article presents the findings of scientific research on the rheological and strength properties under dynamic loading conditions when cutting finished flour products. The study explores the main rheological characteristics and technological coefficients of rye bread cutting equipment, along with the results of cutting technology for various product types under dynamic bread loading. It is observed that as the speed of bladematerial interaction increases, the viscous properties of the deformable body decrease due to the inertia of the viscous components. Structural elements undergo spontaneous reorganization at varying frequencies in response to heat, highlighting a range of frequencies that dictate the ability to reconstruct all structural elements. The utilization of thin plate-like knives in multi-knife cutting machines is discussed for their high efficiency in cutting bread and bread products, minimal contact surface area, low tooling material consumption, and promising applications.

In vitro chemical treatment of silk increases the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and facilitates degradation in rats.

Silk fiber is difficult to degrade in vivo, which limits its application in tissue engineering materials such as artificial nerves. Therefore, in this study aim to promote its degradation in vivo by chemical treating silk fibers in vitro. Sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, mechanical test, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) measurements were used to investigate the degradation effect of chemicals (hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium chloride) on silk fiber in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining and transcriptome analysis were used to investigate the effect of inflammatory factors on the degradation of chemically treated silk fiber in rats. (1) Silks were separated into finer fibers in each group. (2) FT-IR absorption peaks of amides I, II, and III overlap in each group. (3) Silk degradation degree in each group was higher than that in an untreated group. The calcium chloride-treated group was completely degraded. (4) Fibronectin, collagen I, collagen III, integrin α and CD68 were immunofluorescence positive in all vegetation section. (5) There were no significant differences in the expressions of collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin in the vegetations formed on the 14th day of subcutaneous implantation, while integrin α, CD68, TNF-α, IL-1b, and IL-23 express at higher levels with IL-10 at lower levels. All chemicals could completely degrade silk; however, their degradation products were not the same. The chemicals change the mechanical properties of silk by separating it into finer fibers, which increase the contact surface area between the silk and tissue fluid, accelerating the degradation of monofilaments in vivo by promoting inflammation and macrophage activity through the increased and decreased expressions of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, respectively.

From small changes to big gains: pyridinium-based tetralactam macrocycle for enhanced sugar recognition in water

Incorporating pyridinium into an anthracene-based macrocycle significantly enhances its sugar binding affinity by increasing hydrogen bonding and expanding the contact surface area.