Search Results (88)

Geogrids are frequently utilized in engineering for reinforcement; yet, they are vulnerable to construction damage when employed on coarse-grained soil subgrades. In contrast, waste tire grids are more appropriate for subgrade reinforcement owing to their rough surfaces, integrated steel meshes, robust transverse ribs, extended degradation cycles, and superior durability. Based on the limit equilibrium theory, this study developed formulae for calculating the internal and external frictional resistance, as well as the end resistance of waste tires, to ascertain the interface bearing properties and calculation techniques of waste tire grids. Based on this, a mechanical model for the ultimate pull-out resistance of waste-tire-reinforced soil was developed, and its validity was confirmed through a series of pull-out tests on single-sided strips, double-sided strips, and tire grids. The results indicated that the tensile strength of one side of the strip was approximately 43% of that of both sides, and the rough outer surface of the tire significantly enhanced the tensile performance of the strip; under identical normal stress, the tensile strength of the single-sided tire grid was roughly nine times and four times greater than that of the single-sided and double-sided strips, respectively, and the grid structure exhibited superior anti-deformation capabilities compared to the strip structure. The average discrepancy between the calculated values of the established model and the theoretical values was merely 2.38% (maximum error < 5%). Overall, this research offers technical assistance for ensuring the safety of subgrade design and promoting environmental sustainability in engineering, enabling the effective utilization of waste tire grids in sustainable reinforcement applications. Full article

Aspirin (Asp) is extensively used in human health as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-thrombotic drug. In this study, we investigated if the foliar application of Asp on tomato plants has comparable beneficial effects on photosynthetic function to that of salicylic acid (SA), with which it shares similar physiological characteristics. We assessed the consequences of foliar Asp-spray on the photosystem II (PSII) efficiency of tomato plants, and we estimated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the chloroplast ultrastructural changes. Asp acted as an osmoregulator by increasing tomato leaf water content and offering antioxidant protection. This protection kept the redox state of plastoquinone (PQ) pull (qp) more oxidized, increasing the fraction of open PSII reaction centers and enhancing PSII photochemistry (Φ_PSII). In addition, Asp foliar spray decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, decreasing the excess excitation energy on PSII. This resulted in a lower singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation and a lower quantum yield for heat dissipation (Φ_NPQ), indicating the photoprotective effect provided by Asp, especially under excess light illumination. Simultaneously, we observed a decrease in stomatal opening by Asp, which reduced the transpiration. Chloroplast ultrastructural data revealed that Asp, by offering a photoprotective effect, decreased the need for the photorespiration process, which reduces photosynthetic performance. It is concluded that Asp shares similar physiological characteristics with SA, having an equivalent beneficial impact to SA by acting as a biostimulant of the photosynthetic function for an enhanced crop yield. Full article

Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and its receptor Tie-2 promote vascular integrity and angiogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of many cellular functions, including endothelial cell (EC) survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Several reports indicate that these effects of miRNAs on EC functions are mediated through the modulation of angiogenesis factor signaling including that of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). To date, very little is known about the roles played by miRNAs in the signaling and angiogenesis promoted by the Ang-1–Tie-2 receptor axis. Our high-throughput screening of miRNAs regulated by Ang-1 exposure in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) has identified miR-1233-3p as a mature miRNA whose cellular levels are significantly downregulated in response to Ang-1 exposure. The expression of miR-1233-3p in these cells is also downregulated by other angiogenesis factors including VEGF, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2). The overexpression of miR-1233-3p in HUVECs using specific mimics significantly attenuated cell survival, migration, and capillary-like tube formation, and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, miR-1233-3p overexpression resulted in reversal of the anti-apoptotic, pro-migration, and pro-differentiation effects of Ang-1. Biotinylated miRNA pull-down assays showed that p53 and DNA damage-regulated 1 (PDRG1) is a direct target of miR-1233-3p in HUVECs. The exposure of HUVECs to Ang-1, angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) triggers the regulation of PDRG1 expression. This study highlights that miR-1233-3p exerts inhibitory effects on Ang-1-induced survival, migration, and the differentiation of cultured ECs. Full article

This paper describes research aimed at the experimental determination of the influence of rubber hysteresis on the friction coefficient between rubber samples for making soles and granite tiles. In the experiments, four types of shoe rubber with similar hardness and different hysteresis properties and two granite tiles with different roughnesses (smooth and anti-slip) were used. The determination of rubber hysteresis was carried out experimentally on a uniaxial testing machine. The friction coefficient was measured using a device specially developed for this type of test, which was based on the pulling force method, while the measurement conditions were based on the EN 13893:2011 standard. The friction coefficient was measured at two different speeds, 50 mm/s and 300 mm/s, with different surface conditions. Using regression analysis and the Taguchi method, the data obtained from the experiments were analyzed to determine the influence of parameters on the friction coefficient. The experimental research shows that different rubber mixtures with the same or similar hardness could have different hysteresis properties but also different friction properties. Full article

In 2024, Eilish Quin published the novel Medea, which is a feminist approach to the Medea myth from Greek mythology. Medea’s myth is heavily influenced by Euripides’ play Medea, a play in which she kills her children to enact revenge on her cheating husband Jason. Quin’s novel is a reimagining of the myth, which explores Medea’s monstrosity and attempts to make her more sympathetic and less monstrous than the source text. I argue that Quin’s novel pulls from established characteristics of Medea that depict her as a monster and attempts to shift the narrative perspective. Using monster theory, I examine Medea’s monstrosity by looking at Euripides’ play and Quin’s novel. Quin attempts to recast Medea as a sympathetic woman instead of a monster through Medea’s anti-woman sentiments and monstrous power, along with her status as an outsider; moreover, Medea’s villainous nature is removed by changing the story surrounding the murder of her brother and children while stressing Jason’s excessively violent nature. Quin’s novel reflects a contemporary concern with female autonomy and victimization, but the novel’s approach highlights the issues with trying to remove Medea’s monstrosity. Full article

Background: Active recruitment of osteogenic cells by secreted signaling factors, such as stromal-cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), has recently been proposed as a novel strategy to enhance osseointegration. However, the intrinsic importance of the SDF-1/C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) axis in promoting osseointegration is unknown. To study the role of SDF-1/CXCR4 in osseointegration, we blocked the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway in a murine tibial implant model through repeated administrations of an antibody against SDF-1. Methods: Using our previously described murine tibial implant model (N = 24), mice were randomized into an anti-SDF-1 group and a control group (N = 12/group). Intraperitoneal injections of CXCL12/SDF-1 monoclonal antibody (84 µg/mouse) or mouse IgG1 isotype were administered on days 2, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, and 25 post-surgery. Mice were euthanized 4 weeks post-surgery. Peri-implant bone mass and architecture were determined through microcomputed tomography (µ-CT). Bone implant strength was detected through implant pull-out testing. Results: Inhibition of the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway significantly reduced host bone–implant interface strength but did not significantly change the cancellous architecture surrounding the implant. Conclusion: SDF-1/CXCR4 is an important pathway to achieve maximum implant osseointegration. However, inhibition of the pathway did not completely eliminate osseointegration. Full article

PTD-FNK, a synthetic anti-apoptotic protein, has been shown to potently alleviate cellular injuries. However, the effects of PTD-FNK on oxidative defense in boar testicular Sertoli cells (SCs) against oxidative injury has not been explored. In this study, we show that exposure of SCs to 100 mg/L lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 12 h leads to decreased survival rate, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA). Treatment with 0.01 nmol/L PTD-FNK for 4 h significantly enhanced the activity of SOD, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in SCs. Concurrently, PTD-FNK treatment effectively reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in SCs. Moreover, using His pull-down and LC-MS techniques, we identified PTD-FNK-interacting proteins and confirmed that this protective effect may be mediated by the regulation of the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway by PTD-FNK. Therefore, PTD-FNK alleviates LPS-induced oxidative stress via the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, providing novel insights for the development of therapeutic agents targeting testicular oxidative damage. Full article

In this study, a wear-resistant ultra-thin wear layer was fabricated with polyurethane as an adhesive to investigate its durability for pavement applications. Its road performance was investigated based on indoor tests. First, the abrasion test was performed using a tire–pavement dynamic friction analyzer (TDFA), and the surface elevation information of the wear layer was obtained by laser profile scanning. The relationship between the anti-skid properties of the wear layer and the macro-texture was analyzed. Second, a Fourier infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscope were employed to analyze the evolution of polyurethane aging properties in the pull-out test and accelerated ultraviolet (UV) aging test. The results showed that the mean profile depth (MPD), arithmetic mean wavelength of contour (λa), surface wear index (SBI), stage mass loss rate (σ), and total stage mass loss rate (ω) of the abrasive layer aggregate had significant multivariate quadratic polynomial relationships with the skidding performance of the abrasive layer. The tensile strength of the polyurethane ultra-thin abrasive layer decreased by only 2.59% after 16 days of UV aging, indicating a minimal effect of UV action on the aggregate and structural spalling of the polyurethane abrasive layer. Full article

Currently, self-desiccating asphalt mixtures on roads mainly incorporate phase-change materials or salt-based slow-release agents individually for de-icing. However, pure phase-change material mixtures have limited anti-freezing efficiency and short heat-release duration, making them impractical for large-scale snow melting; meanwhile, salt-based slow-release agents suffer from rapid deterioration in de-icing performance. To address these issues encountered, herein, we introduce the phase-change/salt-based slow-release composite materials via the integration of these two materials and investigate their pavement and de-icing performance with the asphalt mixture. For the pavement performance, the optimal asphalt–aggregate ratio for the anti-icing asphalt mixture was found to be 5.1% For anti-bonding and de-icing performance, the electrical conductivity tests, bonding pull-off tests, and interfacial contact melting experiments were conducted. The results indicate that the latent heat of the TH-ME5 (phase-change material) can delay the decrease in environmental temperature and inhibit salt release from T-SEN (salt-based slow-release material), thereby extending the lifespan of the anti-icing asphalt mixture. These results demonstrate that the synergistic effect between the two components of the composite material not only enhance the snow-melting and de-icing performance of the asphalt pavement but also prolong the snow-melting time of the pavement in a low-temperature environment. Full article

The effects of intestinal microflora on extraintestinal immune response by intestinal cytokines and metabolites have been documented, but whether intestinal microbes stimulate serum antibody generation is unknown. Here, serum antibodies against 69 outer membrane proteins of Escherichia coli, a dominant bacterium in the human intestine, are detected in 141 healthy individuals of varying ages. Antibodies against E. coli outer membrane proteins are determined in all serum samples tested, and frequencies of antibodies to five outer membrane proteins (OmpA, OmpX, TsX, HlpA, and FepA) are close to 100%. Serum antibodies against E. coli outer membrane proteins are further validated by Western blot and bacterial pull-down. Moreover, the present study shows that OstA, HlpA, Tsx, NlpB, OmpC, YfcU, and OmpA provide specific immune protection against pathogenic E. coli, while HlpA and OmpA also exhibit cross-protection against Staphylococcus aureus infection. These finding indicate that intestinal E. coli activate extraintestinal antibody responses and provide anti-infective immunity. Full article

Chemical proteomics using biotin probes of natural products have significantly advanced our understanding of molecular targets and therapeutic potential. This review highlights recent progress in the application of biotin probes of homoisoflavonoids for identifying binding proteins and elucidating mechanisms of action. Notably, homoisoflavonoids exhibit antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. A combination of biotin probes, pull-down assays, mass spectrometry, and molecular modeling has revealed how natural products and their derivatives interact with several proteins such as ferrochelatase (FECH), soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2), phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH). These target identification approaches pave the way for new therapeutic avenues, especially in the fields of oncology and ophthalmology. Future research aimed at expanding the repertoire of target identification using biotin probes of homoisoflavonoids promises to further elucidate the complex mechanisms and develop new drug candidates. Full article

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are the major mechanism for persister formation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Previous studies found that HigBA2 (Rv2022c-Rv2021c), a predicted type II TA system of Mtb, could be activated for transcription in response to multiple stresses such as anti-tuberculosis drugs, nutrient starvation, endure hypoxia, acidic pH, etc. In this study, we determined the binding site of HigA2 (Rv2021c), which is located in the coding region of the upstream gene higB2 (Rv2022c), and the conserved recognition motif of HigA2 was characterized via oligonucleotide mutation. Eight binding sites of HigA2 were further found in the Mtb genome according to the conserved motif. RT-PCR showed that HigA2 can regulate the transcription level of all eight of these genes and three adjacent downstream genes. DNA pull-down experiments showed that twelve functional regulators sense external regulatory signals and may regulate the transcription of the HigBA2 system. Of these, Rv0903c, Rv0744c, Rv0474, Rv3124, Rv2603c, and Rv3583c may be involved in the regulation of external stress signals. In general, we identified the downstream target genes and possible upstream regulatory genes of HigA2, which paved the way for the illustration of the persistence establishment mechanism in Mtb. Full article

In 1969, Lynda Benglis withdrew her large latex floor painting, Contraband, from the exhibition Anti-Illusion: Procedures/Materials. Looking beyond the logistical problems that caused Benglis to pull the work, I suggest that it challenged the conceptual and formal parameters of the exhibition from its inception. Taking hints from feminism, modernist painting, camp aesthetics, psychedelic imagery, pop, and minimalism, Benglis’s latex pours unify an array of movements, styles, and political positions that have often been treated as antithetical. Although the refusal of traditional binaries was typical of the neo-avant-garde, Benglis’s work was “contraband” because it challenged the inflexible dictum that feminist art and modernist painting are mortal enemies. With Contraband, she drew on abstract expressionist techniques for communicating feeling by exploiting the dialectic of spontaneity and order in Pollock’s drip paintings. Simultaneously, she drew attention to gender through sexed-up colors and materials. Rather than suggesting that gender difference is repressed by abstract expressionist painting’s false universalizing, Benglis shows that modernist techniques for communicating feeling are crucial for the feminist project of understanding the public significance of seemingly private experience. Full article

The microscale mechanisms underlying the suction anchor–sandy soil interaction under slidable pulling actions of mooring lines remain poorly understood. This technical note addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the suction anchor–sandy soil interaction from micro to macro, with a particular emphasis on the effect of interface friction. The discrete element method (DEM) was utilized to simulate the sandy soil, while the finite element method (FEM) was employed to model the suction anchors. The peak pulling forces in numerical simulations were verified by centrifuge test results. The research findings highlight the significant influence of interface friction on the pulling force–displacement curves, as it affects the patterns of suction anchor–sandy soil interactions. Furthermore, clear relationships were established between the magnitude of interface friction, rotation angle, and pullout displacement of suction anchors. By examining the macro-to-micro behaviors of suction anchor–sandy soil interactions, this study concludes with a comprehensive understanding of failure patterns and their key characteristics under different interface friction conditions. The findings proved that the interface friction not only influences the anti-pullout capacity but also changes the failure patterns of suction anchor–soil interactions in marine engineering. Full article

Waterborne epoxy (WEP) coatings with enhanced corrosion resistance were prepared using graphene oxide (GO) that was obtained from kish graphite, and amino-functionalized graphene oxide (AGO) was modified by 2-aminomalonamide. The structural characteristics of the GO and AGO were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). And the anti-corrosive performance of waterborne epoxy-cased composite coatings with different addition amounts of AGO was investigated using electrochemical measurements, pull-off adhesion tests, and salt spray tests. The results indicate that AGO15/WEP with 0.15 wt.% of AGO has the best anti-corrosive performance, and the lowest frequency impedance modulus increased from 1.03 × 10⁸ to 1.63 × 10¹⁰ ohm·cm⁻² compared to that of WEP. Furthermore, AGO15/WEP also demonstrates the minimal corrosion products or bubbles in the salt spray test for 200 h, affirming its exceptional long-term corrosion protection capability. Full article