The effects of vibration loading on adipose stem cell number,viability and differentiation towards bone-forming cells

Mechanical stimulation is an essential factor affecting the metabolism of bone cells and their precursors. We hypothesized that vibration loading would stimulate differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs) towards bone-forming cells and simultaneously inhibit differentiation towards fat tissue. We developed a vibration-loading device that produces 3g peak acceleration at frequencies of 50 and 100 Hz to cells cultured on well plates. hASCs were cultured using either basal medium (BM), osteogenic medium (OM) or adipogenic medium (AM), and subjected to vibration loading for 3 h d^–1 for 1, 7 and 14 day. Osteogenesis, i.e. differentiation of hASCs towards bone-forming cells, was analysed using markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, collagen production and mineralization. Both 50 and 100 Hz vibration frequencies induced significantly increased ALP activity and collagen production of hASCs compared with the static control at 14 day in OM. A similar trend was detected for mineralization, but the increase was not statistically significant. Furthermore, vibration loading inhibited adipocyte differentiation of hASCs. Vibration did not affect cell number or viability. These findings suggest that osteogenic culture conditions amplify the stimulatory effect of vibration loading on differentiation of hASCs towards bone-forming cells.     

Artificial fish skin of self-powered micro-electromechanical systems hair cells for sensing hydrodynamic flow phenomena

Using biological sensors, aquatic animals like fishes are capable of performing impressive behaviours such as super-manoeuvrability, hydrodynamic flow ‘vision’ and object localization with a success unmatched by human-engineered technologies. Inspired by the multiple functionalities of the ubiquitous lateral-line sensors of fishes, we developed flexible and surface-mountable arrays of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) artificial hair cell flow sensors. This paper reports the development of the MEMS artificial versions of superficial and canal neuromasts and experimental characterization of their unique flow-sensing roles. Our MEMS flow sensors feature a stereolithographically fabricated polymer hair cell mounted on Pb(Zr_0.52Ti_0.48)O₃ micro-diaphragm with floating bottom electrode. Canal-inspired versions are developed by mounting a polymer canal with pores that guide external flows to the hair cells embedded in the canal. Experimental results conducted employing our MEMS artificial superficial neuromasts (SNs) demonstrated a high sensitivity and very low threshold detection limit of 22 mV/(mm s⁻¹) and 8.2 µm s⁻¹, respectively, for an oscillating dipole stimulus vibrating at 35 Hz. Flexible arrays of such superficial sensors were demonstrated to localize an underwater dipole stimulus. Comparative experimental studies revealed a high-pass filtering nature of the canal encapsulated sensors with a cut-off frequency of 10 Hz and a flat frequency response of artificial SNs. Flexible arrays of self-powered, miniaturized, light-weight, low-cost and robust artificial lateral-line systems could enhance the capabilities of underwater vehicles.     

Light alters nociceptive effects of magnetic field shielding in mice: intensity and wavelength considerations

Previous experiments with mice have shown that repeated 1 hour daily exposure to an ambient magnetic field-shielded environment induces analgesia (antinociception). The exposures were carried out in the dark (less than 2.0×10¹⁶ photons s⁻¹ m⁻²) during the mid-light phase of the diurnal cycle. However, if the mice were exposed in the presence of visible light (2.0×10¹⁸ photons s⁻¹ m⁻², 400–750 nm), then the analgesic effects of shielding were eliminated. Here, we show that this effect of light is intensity and wavelength dependent. Introduction of red light (peak at 635 nm) had little or no effect, presumably because mice do not have photoreceptors sensitive to red light above 600 nm in their eyes. By contrast, introduction of ultraviolet light (peak at 405 nm) abolished the effect, presumably because mice do have ultraviolet A receptors. Blue light exposures (peak at 465 nm) of different intensities demonstrate that the effect has an intensity threshold of approximately 12% of the blue light in the housing facility, corresponding to 5×10¹⁶ photons s⁻¹ m⁻² (integral). This intensity is similar to that associated with photoreceptor-based magnetoreception in birds and in mice stimulates photopic/cone vision. Could the detection mechanism that senses ambient magnetic fields in mice be similar to that in bird navigation?     

Relative brain displacement and deformation during constrained mild frontal head impact

This study describes the measurement of fields of relative displacement between the brain and the skull in vivo by tagged magnetic resonance imaging and digital image analysis. Motion of the brain relative to the skull occurs during normal activity, but if the head undergoes high accelerations, the resulting large and rapid deformation of neuronal and axonal tissue can lead to long-term disability or death. Mathematical modelling and computer simulation of acceleration-induced traumatic brain injury promise to illuminate the mechanisms of axonal and neuronal pathology, but numerical studies require knowledge of boundary conditions at the brain–skull interface, material properties and experimental data for validation. The current study provides a dense set of displacement measurements in the human brain during mild frontal skull impact constrained to the sagittal plane. Although head motion is dominated by translation, these data show that the brain rotates relative to the skull. For these mild events, characterized by linear decelerations near 1.5g (g = 9.81 m s⁻²) and angular accelerations of 120–140 rad s⁻², relative brain–skull displacements of 2–3 mm are typical; regions of smaller displacements reflect the tethering effects of brain–skull connections. Strain fields exhibit significant areas with maximal principal strains of 5 per cent or greater. These displacement and strain fields illuminate the skull–brain boundary conditions, and can be used to validate simulations of brain biomechanics.     

Airflow elicits a spider's jump towards airborne prey. I. Airflow around a flying blowfly

The hunting spider Cupiennius salei uses airflow generated by flying insects for the guidance of its prey-capture jump. We investigated the velocity field of the airflow generated by a freely flying blowfly close to the flow sensors on the spider''s legs. It shows three characteristic phases (I–III). (I) When approaching, the blowfly induces an airflow signal near the spider with only little fluctuation (0.013 ± 0.006 m s⁻¹) and a strength that increases nearly exponentially with time (maximum: 0.164 ± 0.051 m s⁻¹ s.d.). The spider detects this flow while the fly is still 38.4 ± 5.6 mm away. The fluctuation of the airflow above the sensors increases linearly up to 0.037 m s⁻¹ with the fly''s altitude. Differences in the time of arrival and intensity of the fly signal at different legs probably inform the spider about the direction to the prey. (II) Phase II abruptly follows phase I with a much higher degree of fluctuation (fluctuation amplitudes: 0.114 ± 0.050 m s⁻¹). It starts when the fly is directly above the sensor and corresponds to the time-dependent flow in the wake below and behind the fly. Its onset indicates to the spider that its prey is now within reach and triggers its jump. The spider derives information on the fly''s position from the airflow characteristics, enabling it to properly time its jump. The horizontal velocity of the approaching fly is reflected by the time of arrival differences (ranging from 0.038 to 0.108 s) of the flow at different legs and the exponential velocity growth rate (16–79 s⁻¹) during phase I. (III) The air flow velocity decays again after the fly has passed the spider.     

Group characterization of impact-induced,in vivo human brain kinematics

Brain movement during an impact can elicit a traumatic brain injury, but tissue kinematics vary from person to person and knowledge regarding this variability is limited. This study examines spatio-temporal brain–skull displacement and brain tissue deformation across groups of subjects during a mild impact in vivo. The heads of two groups of participants were imaged while subjected to a mild (less than 350 rad s⁻²) impact during neck extension (NE, n = 10) and neck rotation (NR, n = 9). A kinematic atlas of displacement and strain fields averaged across all participants was constructed and compared against individual participant data. The atlas-derived mean displacement magnitude was 0.26 ± 0.13 mm for NE and 0.40 ± 0.26 mm for NR, which is comparable to the displacement magnitudes from individual participants. The strain tensor from the atlas displacement field exhibited maximum shear strain (MSS) of 0.011 ± 0.006 for NE and 0.017 ± 0.009 for NR and was lower than the individual MSS averaged across participants. The atlas illustrates common patterns, containing some blurring but visible relationships between anatomy and kinematics. Conversely, the direction of the impact, brain size, and fluid motion appear to underlie kinematic variability. These findings demonstrate the biomechanical roles of key anatomical features and illustrate common features of brain response for model evaluation.     

Surface force spectroscopic point load measurements and viscoelastic modelling of the micromechanical properties of air flow sensitive hairs of a spider (Cupiennius salei)

The micromechanical properties of spider air flow hair sensilla (trichobothria) were characterized with nanometre resolution using surface force spectroscopy (SFS) under conditions of different constant deflection angular velocities (rad s⁻¹) for hairs 900–950 μm long prior to shortening for measurement purposes. In the range of angular velocities examined (4×10⁻⁴−2.6×10⁻¹ rad s⁻¹), the torque T (Nm) resisting hair motion and its time rate of change (Nm s⁻¹) were found to vary with deflection velocity according to power functions. In this range of angular velocities, the motion of the hair is most accurately captured by a three-parameter solid model, which numerically describes the properties of the hair suspension. A fit of the three-parameter model (3p) to the experimental data yielded the two torsional restoring parameters, S _3p=2.91×10⁻¹¹ Nm rad⁻¹ and =2.77×10⁻¹¹ Nm rad⁻¹ and the damping parameter R _3p=1.46×10⁻¹² Nm s rad⁻¹. For angular velocities larger than 0.05 rad s⁻¹, which are common under natural conditions, a more accurate angular momentum equation was found to be given by a two-parameter Kelvin solid model. For this case, the multiple regression fit yielded S _2p=4.89×10⁻¹¹ Nm rad⁻¹ and R _2p=2.83×10⁻¹⁴ Nm s rad⁻¹ for the model parameters. While the two-parameter model has been used extensively in earlier work primarily at high hair angular velocities, to correctly capture the motion of the hair at both low and high angular velocities it is necessary to employ the three-parameter model. It is suggested that the viscoelastic mechanical properties of the hair suspension work to promote the phasic response behaviour of the sensilla.     

Effects of surfactants on spinning carbon nanotube fibers by an electrophoretic method

Thin fibers were spun from a colloidal solution of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) using an electrophoretic method. Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (NaDDBS) was chosen as a surfactant and showed good performance owing to its special chemical structure. The highest spinning velocity reached 0.5 mm s⁻¹. The resulting SWNT fibers had a tensile strength of 400 MPa and a conductivity of 355 S cm⁻¹. Their mechanical and electrical properties were markedly improved after adding NaDDBS as the dispersant in water.     

Effect of heater vibration on the boiling process

The effect of harmonic oscillations on bubble detachment frequency and its dispersion is considered. The experiments were performed at frequencies from 20 to 100 Hz, at oscillation amplitudes of 0 to 0.4·10^–4 m. It was established that vibration leads to a decrease in detachment frequency and dispersion.Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 44–48, January, 1976.     

Calcium Fluoride Precipitation and Deposition From 12 mmol/L Fluoride Solutions With Different Calcium Addition Rates

The effects of different Ca-addition rates on calcium fluoride (CaF₂) precipitation and deposition were investigated in 12 mmol/L sodium fluoride solutions to which 0.1 mol/L calcium chloride solution was continuously added at average rates of (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15 or 20) mmol L⁻¹ min⁻¹. The changes in ionic fluoride and calcium concentrations, as well as turbidity, were continuously recorded by F and Ca electrodes, and a fiber optic based spectrophotometer, respectively. The F⁻ concentration decreased and turbidity increased with time indicating precipitation of CaF₂. For the systems with Ca-addition rates of (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, and 20) mmol L⁻¹ min⁻¹, the 1 min CaF₂ depositions in the model substrate (cellulose filter paper, pores 0.2 µm) expressed as mean ± SD of deposited F per substrate surface area were (3.78 ± 0.31, 11.45 ± 0.89, 9.31 ± 0.68, 8.20 ± 0.56, 6.63 ± 0.43, and 2.09 ± 0.28) µg/cm², respectively (n = 10 for each group). The 1-min F depositions did not show positive correlation to Ca-addition rates. The lowest 1-min F deposition was obtained in the systems with the highest Ca-addition rate of 20 mmol L⁻¹ min⁻¹ for which CaF₂ precipitation rate reached the maximum value of 0.31 mmol L⁻¹ s⁻¹ almost immediately after beginning of reaction (6 s). The largest 1-min F depositions were obtained from the systems with Ca addition rates of (7.5 to 12.5) mmol L⁻¹ min⁻¹ in which CaF₂ precipitation rates continuously increased reaching the maximum values of (0.13 to 0.20) mmol L⁻¹ s⁻¹ after (18 to 29) s, respectively. The 1-min F depositions were greatly enhanced in comparison with the control F solutions that did not have continuous Ca-addition. This indicates that continuous Ca addition that controls the rate of CaF₂ formation could be a critical factor for larger F depositions from F solutions. The efficacy of conventional F mouthrinses could be improved with addition of a substance that continuously releases Ca.     

High-sensitivity accelerometer based on cold emission principle

A possibility for fabrication of a high-sensitivity accelerometer is considered. The linear acceleration of a sensor causes displacement of the proof mass electrode. The displacement detector is based on a strong dependence of the tunneling or cold emission current on the gap between the electrodes. The geometry of the electrodes that provides the best sensitivity is determined. The accelerometer with tunneling-emission electrodes is fabricated. At frequencies up to 5 kHz the resolution reaches 10/sup -4/ g/Hz/sup 1/2/ in the tunneling mode and 10/sup -3/ g/Hz/sup 1/2/ in the emission mode.     

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using fungus Trichoderma sp. WL‐Go and their catalysis in degradation of aromatic pollutants

An efficient green method of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) biosynthesis was achieved by cell‐free extracts of fungus Trichoderma sp. WL‐Go. Based on UV–Vis spectra, AuNPs biosynthesised by cell‐free extracts with 90 mg/l protein exhibited a characteristic absorption band at 556 nm and was stable for 7 days. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the as‐synthesised AuNPs were spherical and pseudo‐spherical, and the average size was calculated to be 9.8 nm with a size range of 1–24 nm. The AuNPs illustrated their good catalytic activities for reduction of nitro‐aromatics (2‐nitrophenol, 3‐nitrophenol, 4‐nitrophenol, 2‐nitroaniline, 3‐nitroaniline) with catalytic rate constants of 7.4 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹, 10.3 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹, 4.9 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹, 5.8 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹, 15.0 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹, respectively. Meanwhile, the AuNPs also showed excellent catalytic performance in decolourisation of azo dyes with decolourisation efficiency from 82.2 to 97.5%. This study provided a green gentle method for AuNPs synthesis as well as exhibiting efficient catalytic capability for degradation of aromatic pollutants.Inspec keywords: catalysts, dyes, particle size, reduction (chemical), nanobiotechnology, nanofabrication, ultraviolet spectra, gold, transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticles, proteins, catalysis, visible spectra, pollution control, microorganismsOther keywords: nitro‐aromatics, catalytic rate constants, decolourisation efficiency, green gentle method, efficient green method, gold nanoparticles biosynthesis, cell‐free extracts, UV–Vis spectra, characteristic absorption band, transmission electron microscopy images, as‐synthesised AuNPs, catalytic performance, protein, catalytic activities, efficient catalytic capability, fungus Trichoderma sp. WL‐Go, aromatic pollutants degradation, 2‐nitrophenol, 3‐nitrophenol, 4‐nitrophenol, 2‐nitroaniline, 3‐nitroaniline, azo dye decolourisation, Au     

Influence of mist-chilling on post-harvest quality of fresh strawberries Cv. Mara des Bois and Gariguette

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of mist-chilling on high-grade strawberry post-harvest quality (Cultivars “Gariguette” and “Mara des Bois”). Strawberries were chilled at 2 °C using three processes: air blast chilling at 0.3 m s⁻¹ or 1 m s⁻¹ and mist-chilling at 1 m s⁻¹. After chilling, fruits were submitted to different distribution chains characterised by different handling conditions and storage temperatures (2 °C or 7 °C) and by a 12 h retailing step at 20 °C. Strawberry quality was assessed by measuring 7 parameters: weight loss, commercial loss, firmness, sugar content, acidity, colour and sensory quality. Compared to air-chilling, mist-chilling did not reduce chilling time but it reduced weight loss by 20–40%. Mist-chilling had no detrimental effect on commercial loss defined as the percentage of fruit more than 1/3 of surface affected. It did not induce any major changes on strawberry quality. Temperature fluctuations undergone during cold storage and retailing had a detrimental effect on weight loss. The beneficial effect of packaging on weight loss was confirmed.     

Metabolic regulation of collagen gel contraction by porcine aortic valvular interstitial cells

Despite a high incidence of calcific aortic valve disease in metabolic syndrome, there is little information about the fundamental metabolism of heart valves. Cell metabolism is a first responder to chemical and mechanical stimuli, but it is unknown how such signals employed in valve tissue engineering impact valvular interstitial cell (VIC) biology and valvular disease pathogenesis. In this study porcine aortic VICs were seeded into three-dimensional collagen gels and analysed for gel contraction, lactate production and glucose consumption in response to manipulation of metabolic substrates, including glucose, galactose, pyruvate and glutamine. Cell viability was also assessed in two-dimensional culture. We found that gel contraction was sensitive to metabolic manipulation, particularly in nutrient-depleted medium. Contraction was optimal at an intermediate glucose concentration (2 g l⁻¹) with less contraction with excess (4.5 g l⁻¹) or reduced glucose (1 g l⁻¹). Substitution with galactose delayed contraction and decreased lactate production. In low sugar concentrations, pyruvate depletion reduced contraction. Glutamine depletion reduced cell metabolism and viability. Our results suggest that nutrient depletion and manipulation of metabolic substrates impacts the viability, metabolism and contractile behaviour of VICs. Particularly, hyperglycaemic conditions can reduce VIC interaction with and remodelling of the extracellular matrix. These results begin to link VIC metabolism and macroscopic behaviour such as cell–matrix interaction.     

CRTS III型板式无砟轨道桥梁段环境振动测试分析

为研究CRTS III型板式无砟轨道环境振动特点,对成灌铁路某桥梁段地面振动进行现场测试,分析不同测点地面振动加速度时程特点、频谱特征,并进行1/3倍频程分析和Z振级的衰减分析。结果表明,列车以180 km/h速度通过时,地面振动持续时间约6 s,距线路中心10 m处振动峰值加速度为60 mm/s2;在10 m处振动频谱分布范围在20～90 Hz,高频振动随距离衰减更快,大于20 m处振动主要以15～45 Hz为主;地面振动Z振级的衰减符合对数衰减规律。     

Pulsed focused ultrasound can improve the anti-cancer effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in murine pancreatic cancer

Pulsed high-intensity focused ultrasound (pHIFU) uses acoustic pressure to physically disrupt tumours. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pHIFU can be used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to enhance survival of tumour-bearing animals. Murine orthotopic pancreatic KPC tumours were exposed both to a grid of pHIFU lesions (peak negative pressure = 17 MPa, frequency = 1.5 MHz, duty cycle = 1%, 1 pulse s⁻¹, duration = 25 s) and to anti-CTLA-4/anti-PD-1 antibodies. Acoustic cavitation was detected using a weakly focused passive sensor. Tumour dimensions were measured with B-mode ultrasound before treatment and with callipers post-mortem. Immune cell subtypes were quantified with immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. pHIFU treatment of pancreatic tumours resulted in detectable acoustic cavitation and increased infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells in the tumours of pHIFU and pHIFU + ICI-treated subjects compared with sham-exposed subjects. Survival of subjects treated with pHIFU + ICI was extended relative to both control untreated subjects and those treated with either pHIFU or ICI alone. Subjects treated with pHIFU + ICI had increased levels of CD8⁺IFNγ⁺ T cells, increased ratios of CD8⁺IFNγ⁺ to CD3⁺CD4⁺FoxP3⁺ and CD11b⁺Ly6G⁺ cells, and decreased CD11c^high cells in their tumours compared with controls. These results provide evidence that pHIFU combined with ICI may have potential for use in pancreatic cancer therapy.     

Experimental investigations on the ballistic impact performances of cold rolled sheet metals

This study focuses on the ballistic performances of 1 and 2 mm-thick and 2 × 1 mm-thick cold rolled sheet metal plates against 9 mm standard NATO projectile. The velocity of the projectile before and after perforation, the diameter of the front face deformation, the depth of the crater and the diameter of the hole were measured. The fracture surfaces of the plates near the ballistic limit were also microscopically analyzed. The highest ballistic limit was found in 2 mm-thick plate (332 m s⁻¹) and the lowest in 1 mm-thick plate (97 m s⁻¹). While, the ballistic limit of 2 × 1 mm-thick plate decreased to 306 m s⁻¹. Typical failure mechanism of the projectile was the flattening and mushrooming at relatively low velocities and the separation from the jacket at relatively high velocities. In accord with the ballistic limits, 2 mm-thick target plate exhibited the highest hardness value. Microscopic investigations showed the significant reductions in the grain size of the targets after the test.     

Effects of flow and colony morphology on the thermal boundary layer of corals

The thermal microenvironment of corals and the thermal effects of changing flow and radiation are critical to understanding heat-induced coral bleaching, a stress response resulting from the destruction of the symbiosis between corals and their photosynthetic microalgae. Temperature microsensor measurements at the surface of illuminated stony corals with uneven surface topography (Leptastrea purpurea and Platygyra sinensis) revealed millimetre-scale variations in surface temperature and thermal boundary layer (TBL) that may help understand the patchy nature of coral bleaching within single colonies. The effect of water flow on the thermal microenvironment was investigated in hemispherical and branching corals (Porites lobata and Stylophora pistillata, respectively) in a flow chamber experiment. For both coral types, the thickness of the TBL decreased exponentially from 2.5 mm at quasi-stagnant flow (0.3 cm s⁻¹), to 1 mm at 5 cm s⁻¹, with an exponent approximately 0.5 consistent with predictions from the heat transfer theory for simple geometrical objects and typical of laminar boundary layer processes. Measurements of mass transfer across the diffusive boundary layer using O₂ microelectrodes revealed a greater exponent for mass transfer when compared with heat transfer, indicating that heat and mass transfer at the surface of corals are not exactly analogous processes.     

Characteristics of a magnetron cold cathode gauge

The discharge characteristics of a cold-cathode gauge of the non-inverted magnetron type were studied in ultra-high vacuum. The experimental magnetron cell of length 56 mm and diameter 32 mm was made of stainless steel. The cathode with a diameter of 6 mm was placed along the anode axis. The diameter of the anode was 25 mm and the length was 50 mm. Discharge current versus voltage and magnetic field was measured in the pressure range between 1×10⁻⁸ and 1×10⁻⁶ mbar. It was found that the current at first slowly increased with increasing voltage, reached a maximum at a certain voltage, and decreased rapidly with further increase of the voltage. The voltage, at which the current reached the maximum, depended on the magnetic field density and slightly on the pressure. A novel type of a cold cathode gauge with a self-adjusting power supply is suggested.     

基于INM模型的天津机场飞机噪声污染预测与防治研究

随着我国航空运输业的不断发展,飞机噪声污染问题已经成为限制民航发展的主要问题之一。调查统计了天津机场2018 年实际航空业务量和规划航空业务量,利用INM模型计算飞机噪声并绘制等值线图,根据计算结果分析飞机噪声对周边环境的污染情况。计算结果表明,受航空业务量增加和第三跑道建设的影响,天津机场周边受飞机噪声影响的面积和人数显著增加。结合国际民航组织（ICAO）针对飞机噪声控制提出的“平衡做法”,研究天津机场可以采用的噪声污染防治措施,主要包括减少噪声源、土地使用的合理规划和管理、采用减噪飞行程序。