Article
Forestry
Wengang Hu, Bingrui Chen
Summary: This study proposed an optimal methodology combining finite element analysis (FEA) with response surface method (RSM) to investigate the effect of tenon geometric dimensions on withdrawal and bending load capacities of mortise-and-tenon (M-T) joints. The results showed that tenon length has the greatest impact on withdrawal load capacity, followed by thickness and width; tenon thickness has a greater effect on bending load capacity, followed by width and length. Additionally, quadratic models can be used to predict the load capacities of M-T joints based on tenon dimensions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dong Zhao, Zhaoming Zhang, Jun Zhao, Kai Liu, Yuhang Liu, Guangfeng Li, Xinhai Zhang, Ruixue Bai, Xue Yang, Xuzhou Yan
Summary: The study introduces a mechanically interlocked network (MIN) inspired by mortise-and-tenon joints, which successfully mimics the structure and function of the joint at a molecular level. This novel material exhibits both mechanical adaptivity and structural stability, with decent stiffness, strength, toughness, and deformation recovery capacity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Julien Glath, Romain Mesnil, Marc Mimram, Olivier Baverel
Summary: In the face of climate change, rethinking construction methods is essential to reduce the environmental impact of the industry. Timber construction, specifically using mortise and tenon joints, offers a solution to reduce CO2 emissions by replacing concrete and steel. This paper proposes a method to manufacture and assemble these joints using robotics, and introduces a non-sequential assembly method that allows easy disassembling of elements based on their motion. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated through a construction prototype.
AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaoxiao Du, Jiaxing Lu, Yue Liang, Yongchao Zhang, Jian Gao, Xiaodong Zhu
Summary: In this study, a simple construction strategy for a three-dimensional micro-supercapacitor (3D MSC) with high energy density was designed using mortise and tenon structures. Wood-derived carbon modified by nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube arrays provided ordered ion transport channels and a large active specific surface area. The prepared 3D MSC showed excellent volumetric capacitance, high volumetric energy density, and good cyclic stability. The mortise and tenon structure also enabled diversified integration of 3D MSCs, facilitating their application in microelectronic devices.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Julieanne L. Vo, Gabriela C. Martinez Ortiz, Makrina Totsika, Alvin W. Lo, Steven J. Hancock, Andrew E. Whitten, Lilian Hor, Kate M. Peters, Valentin Ageorges, Nelly Caccia, Mickael Desvaux, Mark A. Schembri, Jason J. Paxman, Begona Heras
Summary: The formation of bacterial aggregates and biofilms plays an important role in bacterial colonization and infection progression. A study investigated autotransporters, a group of bacterial adhesins, and found that specific interactions between amino acids on the contacting interfaces of adjacent proteins drive cell clumping, and subtle variation of these interactions alters aggregation kinetics and the degree of compacting within cell clusters.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Lifang Qiu, Yue Yu, Shenyuan Dai, Chongxiang Li
Summary: This paper presents the working principle, design process, and simulation and experimental results of the passive variable stiffness Lamina Emergent Joint (PVS-LEJ). The stiffness of PVS-LEJ can be adjusted by design and improves the contact failure issue.
PRECISION ENGINEERING-JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES FOR PRECISION ENGINEERING AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Lifang Qiu, Yue Yu, Yuansong Liu
Summary: This paper introduces a design method to achieve large deformation of Lamina Emergent torsional (LET) joints in multiple directions through origami technology, and proposes a Foldable mortise-tenon structure (FMTS). The influence of structural parameters of the FMTS on its maximum deformation and maximum stress under tension is studied. A two degree of freedom Lamina Emergent Joint (2DOF-LEJ) is designed based on the proposed method and structure, and its effectiveness is verified through experimental tests.
MECHANISM AND MACHINE THEORY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhigang Zhu, Fengqi Wu, Jing Hao
Summary: This research proposes a novel precast concrete beam-column joint using the mortise-tenon connection. The results of a comparative analysis with a cast-in-place joint show that the proposed joint exhibits superior mechanical behavior. The mortise-tenon connection allows standardized construction, reducing construction time, and aligns with the concept of sustainable development.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Wei-Lian Fu, Hui-Yuan Guan, Xin-Yi Zhang
Summary: This study verified a method for directly measuring contact force and its relaxation behavior in mortise and tenon joints, investigating the influence of wood species, interference fitness, and wood grain orientation. The results showed good feasibility for measuring contact force in beech and initial contact force in pine, but lower feasibility for measuring relaxed contact force under certain conditions. Interference fitness, wood grain orientation, and wood species significantly impacted contact force.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Tao Yang, Xiaolong Fang, Xiaoyun Hu, Zhengyang Xu, Yongbin Zeng
Summary: A low-cost, high-efficiency, and high-quality nickel-based mortise-tenon joint structure is urgently needed in the field of aviation engineering. This study proposes a method using a tube electrode with helically distributed jet-flow holes for electrochemical cutting of the joint structure, and successfully verifies the machining results through experiments and parameter optimization.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF AERONAUTICS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jun-xiao He, Pan Yu, Juan Wang, Qing-shan Yang, Miao Han, Lin-lin Xie
Summary: This study investigated the mechanical performance of mortise-tenon joints, proposed a theoretical model, and conducted full-scale experiments to verify it. The results showed that the theoretical model effectively estimated the bending moment of the joint, providing important references for the lateral behavior of wood structures.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Jun-xiao He, Juan Wang, Qing-shan Yang, Miao Han, Yang Deng
Summary: This paper investigated the mechanical performance of loose joints in traditional timber structures through numerical simulation and full-scale tests, proposing a simplified mechanics model with gaps to describe bending capacity. Experimental and numerical results show that tenon height is the most important factor affecting joint mechanical behavior, with increasing gaps leading to decreased bending bearing capacity and rotational stiffness.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND MECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Tianxing Zhang, Wengang Hu
Summary: The research showed that both the length and width of tenon have significant effects on the withdrawal load capacity of the mortise and tenon joint, with the length having a greater impact than width. A regression equation was established to predict the withdrawal load capacity and optimize the tenon sizes of the joint. Using FEM allows for a visual understanding of the joint, leading to cost and time savings in experiments.
Article
Forestry
Qifang Xie, Baozhuang Zhang, Lipeng Zhang, Tiantian Guo, Yajie Wu
Summary: This article investigates the contact characteristics of mortise and tenon joints in traditional timber structures, proposing a normal elasto-plastic contact model that accurately reflects the real contact behavior. The model was verified by experimental results, showing better prediction of failure modes and simulation of hysteretic behavior compared to models considering normal hard contact.
JOURNAL OF WOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Bingrui Chen, Huiyuan Guan
Summary: A novel method is proposed to determine the optimal interference fit of mortise-and-tenon (M&T). Compression tests were conducted to validate the method and consider the effects of wood species, tenon widths, and grain orientations. The results showed that these factors significantly affected the behavior and contact force of the tenon, and the optimal fits were derived based on regression equations. Additionally, the mounting force and withdrawal force capacity of T-shaped M&T joints were evaluated and found to be significantly influenced by the evaluated factors and proportional to the tenon fit.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Anouk von Borstel, Thi H. O. Nguyen, Louise C. Rowntree, Thomas M. Ashhurst, Lilith F. Allen, Lauren J. Howson, Natasha E. Holmes, Olivia C. Smibert, Jason A. Trubiano, Claire L. Gordon, Allen C. Cheng, Stephen J. Kent, Jamie Rossjohn, Katherine Kedzierska, Martin S. Davey
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause severe COVID-19 in some individuals. The immune system, particularly effector gamma delta T cells, plays a role in the defense against SARS-CoV-2. Our study shows an association between effector populations of gamma delta T cells and acute COVID-19 in unvaccinated individuals.
IMMUNOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Gwennaelle C. Monnot, Marcin Wegrecki, Tan-Yun Cheng, Yi-Ling Chen, Brigitte N. Sallee, Reka Chakravarthy, Ioanna Maria Karantza, Shin Yi Tin, Alexandra E. Khaleel, Isha Monga, Laura N. Uwakwe, Alice Tillman, Bin Cheng, Soundos Youssef, Soo Weei Ng, Adam Shahine, Javier A. Garcia-Vilas, Anne-Catrin Uhlemann, Lindsey A. Bordone, Arnold Han, Christine H. Rohde, Graham Ogg, D. Branch Moody, Jamie Rossjohn, Annemieke de Jong
Summary: CD1a presents a range of self-lipid antigens found within the skin. The study identifies CD1a-dependent T cell responses to bacterial membrane phospholipids and suggests a link between PG-based lipid-activated T cells and atopic dermatitis pathogenesis. The expansion of CD4(+) CD1a-(lysyl)PG tetramer(+) T cells in patients with atopic dermatitis supports the involvement of bacteria-associated lipids in the development of this condition.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anbrah E. Alzubidi, Alan M. Bond, Lisandra L. Martin
Summary: Published data suggests that sparingly soluble metal complexes of TCNQF1-n, where n=0, 1, 2, 4, can act as heterogeneous catalysts for the slow [Fe(CN)6]3- =4- -S2O2-3/S4O2-6 reaction in water. However, this study shows that the coordination polymer CuTCNQF4 can participate as a homogeneous catalyst through a small concentration of dissolved TCNQF1-4. UV-visible spectrophotometry was used to study the catalysis of the redox reaction in the presence of various catalysts. The findings suggest the need to reevaluate the mechanism of catalysis by TCNQF4 based solids.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mohammad Shahbazy, Sri H. Ramarathinam, Patricia T. Illing, Emma C. Jappe, Pouya Faridi, Nathan P. Croft, Anthony W. Purcell
Summary: Immunopeptidomes are peptide repertoires bound by molecules encoded by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. These MHC-peptide complexes are presented on cell surfaces for immune T-cell recognition. Immunopeptidomics refers to the use of tandem mass spectrometry to identify and quantify peptides bound to MHC molecules. However, the use of data-independent acquisition (DIA) in immunopeptidomics analysis is limited and there is no consensus on the most appropriate pipeline for HLA peptide identification.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Trevor Lithgow, Christopher J. Stubenrauch, Michael P. H. Stumpf
Summary: Recent studies using advanced imaging techniques have provided new insights into bacterial cell surfaces, including single-cell heterogeneity, drug sensitivity, and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. Nanoscale imaging has allowed for the construction of topographical maps, revealing distinct zones and specific features that can uniquely identify each cell. Functional assembly precincts for protein insertion into the membrane have been mapped, as well as suggested lipid-assembly precincts from discrete lipopolysaccharide patches.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Caroline L. Ashley, Brian P. McSharry, Hamish E. G. McWilliam, Richard J. Stanton, Ceri A. Fielding, Rommel A. Mathias, David P. Fairlie, James McCluskey, Jose A. Villadangos, Jamie Rossjohn, Allison Abendroth, Barry Slobedman
Summary: This study reveals that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) inhibits the MR1 pathway and disrupts the MR1:MAIT cell axis through the viral protein gpUS9. The interaction between this virus and MAIT cells in the context of viral infection is not well characterized.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chenguang Ding, Bo Wang, Jin Zheng, Mingzhen Zhang, Yang Li, Hsin-Hui Shen, Yingcong Guo, Bingxuan Zheng, Puxun Tian, Xiaoming Ding, Wujun Xue
Summary: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to excessive oxidative events and destructive inflammatory responses, playing a key role in various pathological conditions. Ferroptosis, a type of iron-dependent nonapoptotic cell death, is associated with I/R injury diseases. Excessive production of inflammatory cytokines contributes to the development of acute kidney injury. In this study, neutrophil membrane-coated copper-based nanoparticles (N-Cu5.4O@DFO NPs) demonstrated excellent antioxidant and iron ion scavenging abilities, effectively reducing oxidative damage and inflammatory response in the kidney, presenting a potential therapeutic strategy for renal I/R injury. This work also promotes the development of nanoantioxidant agents for the treatment of other I/R injury diseases.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anbrah E. Alzubidi, Alan M. Bond, Lisandra L. Martin
Summary: Mechanistic variation in catalysis through substituent-based redox tuning is well established. Fluorination of TCNQ provides a significant variation in the redox potentials of the TCNQF(n)(0/1-) and TCNQF(n)(1/2-) processes. The catalysis of the ferrocyanide-thiosulfate redox reaction in aqueous solution occurs via different mechanisms depending on the presence of fluorinated or non-fluorinated catalysts. Thermodynamic data explain the observed differences in the catalytic mechanisms for the two systems. CuTCNQF(n) coordination polymers, previously considered as insoluble and heterogeneous catalysts, are shown to act as homogeneous catalysts in the ferricyanide-thiosulfate reaction.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qian Zhang, Minying Wu, Yuanyuan Fang, Chao Deng, Hsin-Hui Shen, Yi Tang, Yajun Wang
Summary: In this study, Pt nanoparticles-loaded nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon nanotube (Pt/NMCT) was successfully synthesized through a polydopamine-mediated one-pot co-deposition strategy. The loading process of Pt was studied and the catalytic performance of Pt/NMCT was investigated, showing the importance of the hierarchical pore structure for catalytic activity.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chenguang Ding, Bo Wang, Xiang Feng Lai, Yingcong Guo, Greg Tesch, Xiaoming Ding, Jin Zheng, PuXun Tian, Sharon Ricardo, Hsin-Hui Shen, Wujun Xue
Summary: Renal fibrosis, a common manifestation of chronic kidney disease, can be suppressed by inducing local production of relaxin-2 mRNA in kidney cells. In both in vitro and in vivo experiments, delivery of relaxin-2 mRNA reduced fibrotic gene expression and cell proliferation, inhibiting the development of renal fibrosis. The use of cubosomes as delivery vehicles for relaxin-2 mRNA also alleviated fibrosis and inflammation in a mouse model of renal injury. Therefore, relaxin-2 mRNA shows potential as a novel therapy for inhibiting fibrosis and inflammation in chronic kidney disease.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Michelle D. Farrelly, Jiali Zhai, Alice Y. J. Tiong, Leonie van 't Hag, Heidi H. Yu, Jian Li, Lisandra L. Martin, San H. Thang
Summary: Synthentic polymer nanodiscs, formed by amphipathic copolymers, have been used as an analytical tool for solubilisation and structural study of membrane proteins in their natural lipid environment. In this study, a new class of amphipathic copolymer was tested for its ability to form nanodiscs, and the solubilisation efficiency, size, structure and shape of the nanodiscs were determined. The length of the hydrocarbon chain in the polymer significantly affected the solubilisation and the size of the nanodiscs. The selective interaction of the less hydrophobic polymers with bacterial membranes suggests potential applications in selective solubilisation, biosensing, and antimicrobial development.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Feijie Li, Pauline Dhordain, Milton T. W. Hearn, Lisandra L. Martin, Louise E. Bennett
Summary: Mammalian milk proteins can release antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with bioactivity in the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. In this study, in silico methods were used to analyze the AMPs released from major proteins in human and cow milk under infant digestion conditions. The results showed that whey proteins in both human and cow milks had higher levels of hydrolysis compared to caseins. Cow milk had higher AMP yields than human milk, even after standardizing the ratio of whey to casein. Beta-lactoglobulin, unique to cow milk, released the highest yield of AMPs and may have an important biological function.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anup Kumar Prasad, Lisandra L. Martin, Ajay S. Panwar
Summary: Helical intermediates play a crucial role in the amyloid formation of amyloidogenic peptides, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. These intermediates are more toxic than mature amyloid fibrils. This study focuses on understanding the mechanisms of helical intermediates in the early stages of amyloid self-assembly. Molecular dynamics simulations and the adaptive biasing force method were used to investigate the structural changes in the amyloidogenic peptide uperin-3.5 (U3.5). The results revealed that the aggregation of U3.5 peptides into beta-sheet dominant aggregates is driven by the evolution of alpha-helical intermediates and the local peptide concentration inside these aggregates.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Torsten John, Stefania Piantavigna, Tiara J. A. Dealey, Bernd Abel, Herre Jelger Risselada, Lisandra L. L. Martin
Summary: This study investigates the impact of membrane models on peptide self-assembly and proposes a model for predicting the effects of cellular changes on peptide assembly. The presence of oxidative lipids has similar effects on peptide self-assembly as bacterial membrane mimetics. Peptides with different properties exhibit different responses to lipid environments, with electrostatic interactions playing a primary role.
Article
Biology
Xiaoyu Wang, Nitin Patil, Fuyi Li, Zhikang Wang, Haolan Zhan, Daniel Schmidt, Philip Thompson, Yuming Guo, Cornelia B. Landersdorfer, Hsin-Hui Shen, Anton Y. Peleg, Jian Li, Jiangning Song
Summary: In this study, we developed a machine learning framework called PmxPred for predicting polymyxin analogues with high antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The framework achieved good performance on multiple datasets, outperforming traditional transfer learning methods.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2024)