bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis Accuracy of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Drăghici Nicu Cătălin , Tămaș Maria Magdalena , Leucuța Daniel Corneliu , Lupescu Tudor Dimitrie , Strilciuc Ștefan , Rednic Simona , Mureșanu Dafin Fior
Published: June 2020

Background and objectives: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common pathology, but sometimes the diagnosis is delayed in patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN). The aim of the study is twofold: first, to compare the accuracy of ultrasound (US) with that of electroneurography (ENG) in the diagnosis of CTS associated with DN, using the clinical diagnosis as a reference standard, and second, to investigate the correlation between morphological US parameters and electrodiagnosis (EDX) measurements in patients with CTS and DN. Materials and Methods: This study included patients with DN. They were divided into two groups: Control (patients without CTS) and Cases (patients with CTS). We performed US and ENG in both hands, totaling 56 wrists, with 28 wrists in each group. Results: We found that the difference in the sensory distal latencies between the median and the ulnar nerves (ring finger) exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy of all the US and ENG parameters, areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) = 0.99 (95% CI 0.97–1), and it was significantly different from the best US diagnostic method. The wrist cross-sectional area (CSA) had the most accurate US diagnosis, while the wrist-to-forearm ratio had the worst AUC. Moreover, in the group of CTS and DN patients, the wrist CSA enlargement was statistically directly proportional to the median compound muscle action potential (CMAP) distal latency and inversely proportional to the antidromic median nerve conduction study (NCS) and the orthodromic median palm–wrist NCS. Conclusions: Both examinations can be used with confidence in the diagnosis of CTS overlapping with DN, but the EDX examination seems to be more accurate. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the US and EDX parameters.
CaO–CaZrO3 Mixed Oxides Prepared by Auto–Combustion for High Temperature CO2 Capture: The Effect of CaO Content on Cycle Stability
Authors: Luisetto Igor , Mancini Maria Rita , Della Seta Livia , Chierchia Rosa , Vanga Giuseppina , Grilli Maria Luisa , Stendardo Stefano
Published: June 2020

Cycling high temperature CO2 capture using CaO–based solid sorbents, known as the calcium looping (CaL) process, is gaining considerable scientific and industrial interest due to the high theoretical sorbent capacity (0.78 gCO2/gCaO), the low specific cost, and the negligible environmental impact of the employed materials. In this work, we investigated the self–combustion synthesis of CaO–CaZrO3 sorbents with different CaO contents (40, 60, and 80 wt%) for use in the CaL process. CaZrO3 was used as a spacer to avoid CaO grains sintering at high temperature and to reduce the diffusional resistances of CO2 migrating towards the inner grains of the synthetic sorbent. Samples were characterized by X–ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The reaction between CO2 and CaO (i.e., carbonation) was carried out in 20 vol% CO2 at 650 °C and calcination (i.e., decomposition of CaCO3 to CaO and CO2) at 900 °C in pure Ar or with 85 vol% CO2 using a thermogravimetric analyzer (thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA)). The most stable sorbent was with 40 wt% of CaO showing a CO2 uptake of up to 0.31 g CO2/gsorbent and 0.26 g CO2/gsorbent operating under mild and severe conditions, respectively. The experimental data corroborated the prediction of the shrinking core spherical model in the first phase of the carbonation. A maximum reaction rate of 0.12–0.13 min−1 was evaluated in the first cycle under mild and severe conditions of regeneration.
Effect of Annealing Heat Treatment on the Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Hot Isostatic Pressed 316L Stainless Steel Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Chadha Kanwal , Tian Yuan , Spray John , Aranas Clodualdo
Published: June 2020

In this work, the microstructural features and mechanical properties of an additively manufactured 316L stainless steel have been determined. Three types of samples were characterized: (i) as printed (AP), (ii) annealing heat treated (AHT), and (iii) hot isostatic pressed and annealing heat treated (HIP + AHT). Microstructural analysis reveals that the AP sample formed melt pool boundaries with nano-scale cellular structures. These structures disappeared after annealing heat treatment and hot isostatic pressing. The AP and AHT samples have similar grain morphologies; however, the latter has a lower dislocation density and contains precipitates. Conversely, the HIP + AHT sample displays polygon-shaped grains with twin structures; a completely different morphology compared to the first two samples. Optical micrography reveals that the application of hot isostatic pressing reduces the porosity generated after laser processing. The tensile strengths of all the samples are comparable (about 600 MPa); however, the elongation of the HIP + AHT sample (48%) was superior to that of other two samples. The enhanced ductility of the HIP + AHT sample, however, resulted in lower yield strength. Based on these findings, annealing heat treatment after hot isostatic pressing was found to improve the ductility of as-printed 316L stainless steel by as much as 130%, without sacrificing tensile strength, but the sample may have a reduced (40%) yield strength. The tensile strength determined here has been shown to be higher than that of the hot isostatic pressed, additively manufactured 316L stainless steel available from the literature.
Hybrid-Learning Type-2 Takagi–Sugeno–Kang Fuzzy Systems for Temperature Estimation in Hot-Rolling
Authors: Barrios José Ángel , Méndez Gerardo Maximiliano , Cavazos Alberto
Published: June 2020

Entry temperature estimation is a major concern for finishing mill set-up in hot strip mills. Variations in the incoming bar conditions, frequent product changes and measurement uncertainties may cause erroneous estimation, and hence, an incorrect mill set-up causing a faulty bar head-end. In earlier works, several varieties of neuro-fuzzy systems have been tested due to their adaptation capabilities. In order to test the combination of the simplicity offered by Takagi–Sugeno–Kang systems (also known as Sugeno systems) and the modeling power of type-2 fuzzy, in this work, hybrid-learning type-2 Sugeno fuzzy systems are evaluated and compared with the results presented earlier. Systems with both empirically and fuzzy c-means-generated rules as well as purely fuzzy systems and grey-box models are tested. Experimental data were collected from a real-life mill; datasets for rule-generation, training, and validation were randomly drawn. Two of the grey-box models presented here reach 100% of bars with 20 °C or less prediction error, while two of the purely fuzzy systems improved performance with respect to purely fuzzy systems presented elsewhere, however it was only a slight improvement.
Microstructural Evolution and Growth of Intermetallic Compounds at the Interface between Solid Cast Iron and Liquid Al–Si Alloy
Authors: Kim Jeong-Min , Shin Keesam , Shin Je-Sik
Published: June 2020

Compound casting has received a great deal of attention as a useful method for fabricating a single complicated part from dissimilar metallic materials. For example, in the case of automobile cylinder blocks, research is being carried out to compound cast iron with aluminum alloys. In order to manufacture such as composite parts, it is essential to control the intermetallic compound formed at the interface between two metals. In this research, the type and growth behavior of compounds formed at the interface between cast iron and aluminum, or Al–Si alloy, were investigated. It was observed that the Al5Fe2 phase was mainly formed at the interface between the pure aluminum melt and the solid cast iron, and the thickness of the interfacial compound increased proportionally with increasing contact time. On the other hand, more complex phases were formed at the interface between the Al–Si alloy melt and the solid cast iron. In the case of a specimen having a contact time of 10 min, Al4.5FeSi, Al8Fe2Si and Al5Fe2 phases appeared to occupy the largest portion of the interfacial compound region. The total thickness of the interfacial compounds also increased in proportion to the contact time.
Influence of Ag Addition on Thermal Stability and Thermophysical Properties of Ti-Zr-Ni Quasicrystals
Authors: Jeon Sangho , Cho Yong Chan , Kim Yong-Il , Lee Yun-Hee , Lee Sooheyong , Lee Geun Woo
Published: June 2020

We study the effects of Ag addition on thermal stability and thermophysical properties of Ti-Zr-Ni icosahedral quasicrystals. The Ag addition results in increasing the coherence length and thermal stability of the icosahedral phase (i-phase) of the as-cast Ti35.2Zr43.8Ni21 alloy, which are maximized at around 4 at.% Ag addition. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and electrostatic levitation (ESL) experiments reveal that the addition suppresses the i-phase decomposition on heating and cooling. We find that considerable amount of the i-phase remains in the samples processed by radiational cooling in ESL as the Ag concentration increases. These results demonstrate that Ag addition stabilizes the i-phase of the Ti35.2Zr43.8Ni21 alloy. No anomalous effect of Ag addition is found on density and viscosity of the Ti35.2Zr43.8Ni21 liquid.
Plasma-Nitriding Properties of CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloys Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Karimoto Takato , Nishimoto Akio
Published: June 2020

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) were fabricated by powder metallurgy using gas-atomized powder and spark plasma sintering (SPS) followed by surface modification (plasma nitriding) of the sintered sample. Plasma nitriding forms nitride and induces solid-soluting of N; it enables the diffusion of N atoms by removing the passive film formed on the surface of alloys such as stainless steel, Al alloys, and Ti alloys, via the sputtering of cations during glow discharge. Therefore, plasma nitriding has the potential to process HEAs that contain strong oxidizing elements such as Cr, Al, and Ti. In this work, a sintered CoCrFeMnNi HEA was plasma-nitrided and its properties were subsequently evaluated. A uniform microstructure without segregation was obtained in the SPS sample, and its hardness and wear resistance were found to have improved. Analysis of the sample surface after nitriding revealed that an expanded face-centered cubic phase formed on the surface plasma-nitrided at 673 K and that a CrN phase formed on the surface plasma-nitrided at temperatures greater than 723 K. The surface hardness of the plasma-nitrided sample was 1200 HV or greater, and the wear resistance and pitting corrosion resistance were improved compared with those of the untreated sample.
A Unified Model for Plasticity in Ferritic, Martensitic and Dual-Phase Steels
Authors: Matsuyama Shuntaro , Galindo-Nava Enrique I.
Published: June 2020

Unified equations for the relationships among dislocation density, carbon content and grain size in ferritic, martensitic and dual-phase steels are presented. Advanced high-strength steels have been developed to meet targets of improved strength and formability in the automotive industry, where combined properties are achieved by tailoring complex microstructures. Specifically, in dual-phase (DP) steels, martensite with high strength and poor ductility reinforces steel, whereas ferrite with high ductility and low strength maintains steel’s formability. To further optimise DP steel’s performance, detailed understanding is required of how carbon content and initial microstructure affect deformation and damage in multi-phase alloys. Therefore, we derive modified versions of the Kocks–Mecking model describing the evolution of the dislocation density. The coefficient controlling dislocation generation is obtained by estimating the strain increments produced by dislocations pinning at other dislocations, solute atoms and grain boundaries; such increments are obtained by comparing the energy required to form dislocation dipoles, Cottrell atmospheres and pile-ups at grain boundaries, respectively, against the energy required for a dislocation to form and glide. Further analysis is made on how thermal activation affects the efficiency of different obstacles to pin dislocations to obtain the dislocation recovery rate. The results are validated against ferritic, martensitic and dual-phase steels showing good accuracy. The outputs are then employed to suggest optimal carbon and grain size combinations in ferrite and martensite to achieve highest uniform elongation in single- and dual-phase steels. The models are also combined with finite-element simulations to understand the effect of microstructure and composition on plastic localisation at the ferrite/martensite interface to design microstructures in dual-phase steels for improved ductility.
On Glass Forming Ability of Bulk Metallic Glasses by Relating the Internal Friction Peak Value
Authors: Zhang Xianfeng , Cui Xiao , Du Zhuotong , Zu Fangqiu , Li Jinjing , Bian Bingchuan , Xu Kuilong , Zhang Xinyao
Published: June 2020

The internal friction (IF) behaviors of a series of LaCe-, Zr-, and La-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were studied by a computer-controlled, conventional inverted torsion pendulum. The results indicate that with an increasing temperature, the IF also increases gradually in the supercooled liquid region, followed by a decrease caused by crystallization. BMGs with a good glass forming ability (GFA) usually possess a high IF peak value for an alloy system with the same constituent elements. Furthermore, the magnitude of the IF value (Qi−1) of the inflection point is an efficient criterion of GFA. The Qi−1 value is a valid criterion under the conditions of identical constituent elements and different element contents. However, Qi−1 and GFA have no relationship among different alloy systems.
Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Rolled Aluminium Unidirectional Cellular Structure
Authors: Vesenjak Matej , Nishi Masatoshi , Nishi Toshiya , Marumo Yasuo , Krstulović-Opara Lovre , Ren Zoran , Hokamoto Kazuyuki
Published: June 2020

The paper focuses on the fabrication of novel aluminium cellular structures and their metallographic and mechanical characterisation. The aluminium UniPore specimens have been manufactured by rolling a thin aluminium foil with acrylic spacers for the first time. The novel approach allows for the cheaper and faster fabrication of the UniPore specimens and improved welding conditions since a lack of a continuous wavy interface was observed in the previous fabrication process. The rolled assembly was subjected to explosive compaction, which resulted in a unidirectional aluminium cellular structure with longitudinal pores as the result of the explosive welding mechanism. The metallographic analysis confirmed a strong bonding between the foil surfaces. The results of the quasi-static and dynamic compressive tests showed stress–strain behaviour, which is typical for cellular metals. No strain-rate sensitivity could be observed in dynamic testing at moderate loading velocities. The fabrication process and the influencing parameters have been further studied by using the computational simulations, revealing that the foil thickness has a dominant influence on the final specimen geometry.
The Bovine Metabolome
Authors: Foroutan Aidin , Fitzsimmons Carolyn , Mandal Rupasri , Piri-Moghadam Hamed , Zheng Jiamin , Guo AnChi , Li Carin , Guan Le Luo , Wishart David S.
Published: June 2020

From an animal health perspective, relatively little is known about the typical or healthy ranges of concentrations for many metabolites in bovine biofluids and tissues. Here, we describe the results of a comprehensive, quantitative metabolomic characterization of six bovine biofluids and tissues, including serum, ruminal fluid, liver, Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle, semimembranosus (SM) muscle, and testis tissues. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS), we were able to identify and quantify more than 145 metabolites in each of these biofluids/tissues. Combining these results with previous work done by our team on other bovine biofluids, as well as previously published literature values for other bovine tissues and biofluids, we were able to generate quantitative reference concentration data for 2100 unique metabolites across five different bovine biofluids and seven different tissues. These experimental data were combined with computer-aided, genome-scale metabolite inference techniques to add another 48,628 unique metabolites that are biochemically expected to be in bovine tissues or biofluids. Altogether, 51,801 unique metabolites were identified in this study. Detailed information on these 51,801 unique metabolites has been placed in a publicly available database called the Bovine Metabolome Database.
Precision Nutrition and Childhood Obesity: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wu Yue , Perng Wei , Peterson Karen E.
Published: June 2020

Environmental exposures such as nutrition during life stages with high developmental plasticity—in particular, the in utero period, infancy, childhood, and puberty—may have long-lasting influences on risk of chronic diseases, including obesity-related conditions that manifest as early as childhood. Yet, specific mechanisms underlying these relationships remain unclear. Here, we consider the study of ‘omics mechanisms, including nutrigenomics, epigenetics/epigenomics, and metabolomics, within a life course epidemiological framework to accomplish three objectives. First, we carried out a scoping review of population-based literature with a focus on studies that include ‘omics analyses during three sensitive periods during early life: in utero, infancy, and childhood. We elected to conduct a scoping review because the application of multi-‘omics and/or precision nutrition in childhood obesity prevention and treatment is relatively recent, and identifying knowledge gaps can expedite future research. Second, concomitant with the literature review, we discuss the relevance and plausibility of biological mechanisms that may underlie early origins of childhood obesity identified by studies to date. Finally, we identify current research limitations and future opportunities for application of multi-‘omics in precision nutrition/health practice.
A Novel Function of Sphingosine Kinase 2 in the Metabolism of Sphinga-4,14-Diene Lipids
Authors: Couttas Timothy Andrew , Rustam Yepy Hardi , Song Huitong , Qi Yanfei , Teo Jonathan David , Chen Jinbiao , Reid Gavin Edmund , Don Anthony Simon
Published: June 2020

The number, position, and configuration of double bonds in lipids affect membrane fluidity and the recruitment of signaling proteins. Studies on mammalian sphingolipids have focused on those with a saturated sphinganine or mono-unsaturated sphingosine long chain base. Using high-resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we observed a marked accumulation of lipids containing a di-unsaturated sphingadiene base in the hippocampus of mice lacking the metabolic enzyme sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2). The double bonds were localized to positions C4–C5 and C14–C15 of sphingadiene using ultraviolet photodissociation-tandem mass spectrometry (UVPD-MS/MS). Phosphorylation of sphingoid bases by sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) or SphK2 forms the penultimate step in the lysosomal catabolism of all sphingolipids. Both SphK1 and SphK2 phosphorylated sphinga-4,14-diene as efficiently as sphingosine, however deuterated tracer experiments in an oligodendrocyte cell line demonstrated that ceramides with a sphingosine base are more rapidly metabolized than those with a sphingadiene base. Since SphK2 is the dominant sphingosine kinase in brain, we propose that the accumulation of sphingadiene-based lipids in SphK2-deficient brains results from the slower catabolism of these lipids, combined with a bottleneck in the catabolic pathway created by the absence of SphK2. We have therefore uncovered a previously unappreciated role for SphK2 in lipid quality control.
QSRR Automator: A Tool for Automating Retention Time Prediction in Lipidomics and Metabolomics
Authors: Naylor Bradley C. , Catrow J. Leon , Maschek J. Alan , Cox James E.
Published: June 2020

The use of retention time is often critical for the identification of compounds in metabolomic and lipidomic studies. Standards are frequently unavailable for the retention time measurement of many metabolites, thus the ability to predict retention time for these compounds is highly valuable. A number of studies have applied machine learning to predict retention times, but applying a published machine learning model to different lab conditions is difficult. This is due to variation between chromatographic equipment, methods, and columns used for analysis. Recreating a machine learning model is likewise difficult without a dedicated bioinformatician. Herein we present QSRR Automator, a software package to automate retention time prediction model creation and demonstrate its utility by testing data from multiple chromatography columns from previous publications and in-house work. Analysis of these data sets shows similar accuracy to published models, demonstrating the software’s utility in metabolomic and lipidomic studies.
Black GaAs: Gold-Assisted Chemical Etching for Light Trapping and Photon Recycling
Authors: Lova Paola , Soci Cesare
Published: June 2020

Thanks to its excellent semiconductor properties, like high charge carrier mobility and absorption coefficient in the near infrared spectral region, GaAs is the material of choice for thin film photovoltaic devices. Because of its high reflectivity, surface microstructuring is a viable approach to further enhance photon absorption of GaAs and improve photovoltaic performance. To this end, metal-assisted chemical etching represents a simple, low-cost, and easy to scale-up microstructuring method, particularly when compared to dry etching methods. In this work, we show that the etched GaAs (black GaAs) has exceptional light trapping properties inducing a 120 times lower surface reflectance than that of polished GaAs and that the structured surface favors photon recycling. As a proof of principle, we investigate photon reabsorption in hybrid GaAs:poly (3-hexylthiophene) heterointerfaces.
Spatial Equivalent Circuit Model for Simulation of On-Chip Thermoelectric Harvesters
Authors: Lineykin Simon , Sitbon Moshe , Kuperman Alon
Published: June 2020

Interest in autonomous low-power energy sources has risen with the development and widespread use of devices with very low energy consumption. Interest in thermoelectric harvesters has increased against this background. Thermoelectric harvesters, especially harvesters on-chip, have peculiar properties related to the thermal route, thermal transients, and spatial temperature distribution within the chip. A behavioral model of the harvester is required for engineers to successfully develop voltage converters with maximum power point tracking and energy storage units. There are accurate models based on the finite element method, but these models are usually not compatible with simulators of electrical circuits, and therefore are not convenient for designers. Existing equivalent circuit models fit this requirement, but usually do not consider many parameters. This article proposes an original method that allows simulating spatial thermoelectric processes by analogy with the finite difference method, using electrical circuits simulations software. The study proposes a complete methodology for building the model and examples of simulations of one-, two- and three-dimensional problems, as well as examples of simulation of macro problems in the presence of external thermal and electrical devices, such as heatsink and electrical load.
Energetic Films Realized by Encapsulating Copper Azide in Silicon-Based Carbon Nanotube Arrays with Higher Electrostatic Safety
Authors: Liu Xuwen , Hu Yan , Wei Hai , Chen Bingwen , Ye Yinghua , Shen Ruiqi
Published: June 2020

Since copper azide (Cu(N3)2) has high electrostatic sensitivity and is difficult to be practically applied, silicon-based Cu(N3)2@carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite energetic films with higher electrostatic safety were fabricated, which can be compatible with micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS). First, a silicon-based porous alumina film was prepared by a modified two-step anodic oxidation method. Next, CNTs were grown in pores of the silicon-based porous alumina film by chemical vapor deposition. Then, copper nanoparticles were deposited in CNTs by electrochemical deposition and oxidized to Cu(N3)2 by gaseous hydrogen azide. The morphology and composition of the prepared silicon-based Cu(N3)2@CNTs energetic films were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The electrostatic sensitivity of the composite energetic film was tested by the Bruceton method. The thermal decomposition kinetics of the composite energetic films were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that the exothermic peak of the silicon-based Cu(N3)2@CNTs composite energetic film is at the temperature of 210.95 °C, its electrostatic sensitivity is significantly less than that of Cu(N3)2 and its 50% ignition energy is about 4.0 mJ. The energetic film shows good electric explosion characteristics and is successfully ignited by laser.
Droplet-Based Screening for the Investigation of Microbial Nonlinear Dose–Response Characteristics System, Background and Examples
Authors: Cao Jialan , Richter Felix , Kastl Michael , Erdmann Jonny , Burgold Christian , Dittrich David , Schneider Steffen , Köhler J. , Groß G.
Published: June 2020

Droplet-based microfluidics is a versatile tool to reveal the dose–response relationship of different effectors on the microbial proliferation. Traditional readout parameter is the temporal development of the cell density for different effector concentrations. To determine nonlinear or unconventional dose–response relationships, data with high temporal resolution and dense concentration graduation are essential. If microorganisms with slow microbial growth kinetics are investigated, a sterile and evaporation-free long-term incubation technique is required. Here, we present a modular droplet-based screening system which was developed to solve these issues. Beside relevant technical aspects of the developed modules, the procedural workflow, and exemplary dose–response data for 1D and 2D dose–response screenings are presented.
A Clinical Perspective on the Antimicrobial Resistance Spectrum of Uropathogens in a Romanian Male Population
Authors: Chibelean Călin Bogdan , Petca Răzvan-Cosmin , Mareș Cristian , Popescu Răzvan-Ionuț , Enikő Barabás , Mehedințu Claudia , Petca Aida
Published: June 2020

Considering urinary tract infections (UTIs), a significant public health problem with negligible recent research, especially on the male eastern European population, we aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance rates of uropathogens for the most commonly used antibiotics in urological practice in our country. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in two different teaching hospitals in Romania, analyzing urine samples from 7719 patients to determine the frequency of incriminating pathogens and their resistance to different antibiotics, in a comparative approach. We determined Escherichia coli (35.98%) to be the most common pathogen with the highest sensitivity to amikacin (S = 91.72%), meropenem (S = 97.17%) and fosfomycin (S = 86.60%) and important resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic ac. (R = 28.03%) and levofloxacin (R = 37.69%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (22.98%) with the highest sensitivity to amikacin (S = 78.04%) and meropenem (S = 81.35%) and important resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic ac. (R = 65.58%) and levofloxacin (R = 45.36%); the most frequent Gram-positive pathogen was Enterococcus spp. (19.73%) with the highest sensitivity for vancomycin (S = 93.75%) and fosfomycin (S = 87.5%) and considerable resistance to penicillin (R = 33.52%) and levofloxacin (R = 42.04%). The findings are an important tool in managing UTIs and should be acknowledged as reference research not only for clinicians from Romania but for all physicians treating male UTIs.
Effect of Several Nutrients and Environmental Conditions on Intracellular Melatonin Synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Morcillo-Parra María Ángeles , Beltran Gemma , Mas Albert , Torija María-Jesús
Published: June 2020

Melatonin is a bioactive compound that is present in fermented beverages and has been described to be synthesized by yeast during alcoholic fermentation. The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of intracellular and extracellular melatonin production by different Saccharomyces strains from diverse food origin and to study the effects of different fermentation parameters, such as sugar and nitrogen concentration, temperature or initial population, on melatonin production using a synthetic grape must medium. Melatonin from fermentation samples was analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Intracellular melatonin synthesis profile did not present differences between yeast strains. However, extracellular melatonin production depended on the yeast origin. Thus, we suggest that melatonin production and secretion during the different yeast growth phases follows a species-specific pattern. Other parameters that affected the fermentation process such as sugar content and low temperature had an impact on intracellular melatonin production profile, as well as the melatonin content within the cell. This study reports the effect of several conditions on the melatonin synthesis profile, highlighting its possible role as a signal molecule.
Effects of Selected Functional Bacteria on Maize Growth and Nutrient Use Efficiency
Authors: Tang Amelia , Haruna Ahmed Osumanu , Majid Nik Muhamad Ab. , Jalloh Mohamadu Boyie
Published: June 2020

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which include isolates from genera Paraburkholderia, Burkholderia and Serratia, have received attention due to their numerous plant growth-promoting mechanisms such as their ability to solubilize insoluble phosphates and nitrogen-fixation. However, there is a dearth of information on the potential plant growth-promoting effects of these three groups of bacteria on non-legumes such as maize. This study determined the influences of the aforementioned strains on soil properties, maize growth, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency. A pot trial using maize as a test crop was done using a randomized complete block design with 7 treatments each replicated 7 times. The treatments used in this study were: Control (no fertilizer), chemical fertilizer (CF), organic-chemical fertilizers combination without inoculum (OCF) and with inocula consisting of single strains [cellulolytic bacteria (TC), organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer with N-fixing bacteria (TN), organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer with P-solubilizing bacteria (TP)) and three-strain inocula (TCNP), respectively. The variables measured included plant growth and nutrient content, soil nutrient content and functional rhizospheric bacterial populations. Paraburkholderia nodosa NB1 and Burkholderia cepacia PB3 showed comparable effects on maize biomass and also improved N and P use efficiencies when compared to full chemical fertilization. Nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria had a positive effect on above-ground biomass of maize. Paraburkholderia nodosa NB1 improved soil total C and organic matter contents, besides being the only bacterial treatment that improved K use efficiency compared to OCF. The results suggest that P. nodosa NB1 and B. cepacia PB3 have potential usage in bio-fertilizers. In contrast, treatments with Serratia nematodiphila C46d and consortium strains showed poorer maize nutrient uptake and use efficiency than the other single strain treatments. Bacterial treatments generally showed comparable or higher overall N and P use efficiencies than full chemical fertilization. These findings suggest that at least half the amounts of N and P fertilizers could be reduced through the use of combined fertilization together with beneficial bacteria.
Candida and Candidiasis—Opportunism Versus Pathogenicity: A Review of the Virulence Traits
Authors: Ciurea Cristina Nicoleta , Kosovski Irina-Bianca , Mare Anca Delia , Toma Felicia , Pintea-Simon Ionela Anca , Man Adrian
Published: June 2020

One of the most important questions in microbiology nowadays, is how apparently harmless, commensal yeasts like Candida spp. can cause a rising number of infections. The occurrence of the disease requires firstly the attachment to the host cells, followed by the invasion of the tissue. The adaptability translates into a rapid ability to respond to stress factors, to take up nutrients or to multiply under different conditions. By forming complex intracellular networks such as biofilms, Candida spp. become not only more refractive to antifungal therapies but also more prone to cause disease. The inter-microbial interactions can enhance the virulence of a strain. In vivo, the fungal cells face a multitude of challenges and, as a result, they develop complex strategies serving one ultimate goal: survival. This review presents the virulence factors of the most important Candida spp., contributing to a better understanding of the onset of candidiasis and raising awareness of the highly complex interspecies interactions that can change the outcome of the disease.
Interaction of Varroa destructor and Sublethal Clothianidin Doses during the Larval Stage on Subsequent Adult Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Health, Cellular Immunity, Deformed Wing Virus Levels and Differential Gene Expression
Authors: Morfin Nuria , Goodwin Paul H. , Guzman-Novoa Ernesto
Published: June 2020

Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are exposed to many parasites, but little is known about interactions with abiotic stressors on their health, particularly when affected as larvae. Larvae were exposed singly and in combination to the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and three sublethal doses of the neonicotinoid insecticide clothianidin to evaluate their effects on survivorship, weight, haemocyte counts, deformed wing virus (DWV) levels and gene expression of the adult bees that subsequently developed. Clothianidin significantly reduced bee weight at the highest dose and was associated with an increase in haemocyte counts at the lowest dose, whereas V. destructor parasitism increased DWV levels, reduced bee emergence, lowered weight and reduced haemocyte counts. An interaction between the two stressors was observed for weight at emergence. Among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), V. destructor infestation resulted in broader down-regulatory effects related to immunity that was often shared with the combined stressors, while clothianidin resulted in a broader up-regulatory effect more related to central metabolic pathways that was often shared with the combined stressors. Parasites and abiotic stressors can have complex interactions, including additive effects on reduced weight, number of up-regulated DEGs and biological pathways associated with metabolism.
Switching to Integrase Inhibitors Unlinked to Weight Increase in Perinatally HIV-Infected Young Adults and Adolescents: A 10-Year Observational Study
Authors: Taramasso Lucia , Di Biagio Antonio , Bovis Francesca , Forlanini Federica , Albani Elena , Papaioannu Rebecka , Giacomet Vania
Published: June 2020

An unexpected increase in weight gain has recently been reported in the course of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) treatment. The possibility of this effect in people who are perinatally infected with HIV (PHIV) and thus exposed to lifelong therapy needs to be explored. This is a retrospective multicenter case-control study. Adults with PHIV followed between 2010 and 2019 in two outpatient services in Northern Italy were included if they had at least two weight measures in two successive years of observation. Patients were considered as cases if they were switched to INSTI (INSTI group), or controls if they were never exposed to INSTI (non-INSTI group). The date of the switch in cases was considered to be the baseline (T0), while it was randomly selected in controls. Mixed effect models were used to assess the weight changes in INSTI and non-INSTI groups. A total of 66 participants, 50.0% women, 92.4% Caucasian, were included. Median follow-up was 9 years (range 2–10): 4 years (range 1–8) before and 3 (range 1–9) after-T0. Mean age at the last study visit was 27.3 (±4.8) years, and mean CD4+ T-cells were 820.8 (±323.6) cells/mm3. Forty-five patients were switched to INSTI during the study, while 21 remained in the non-INSTI group. The INSTI group experienced a mean increase (pre-post T0) in bodyweight of 0.28 kg/year (95% CI − 0.29; 0.85, p = 0.338), while in the non-INSTI group, the mean increase was 0.36 kg/year (95% CI − 0.47; 1.20, p = 0.391), without a significant difference between groups (p for interaction between time and treatment regimen = 0.868). Among patients on INSTI, the weight gain after T0 was higher than pre-T0, amounting to +0.28 kg/year (95% CI − 0.29; 0.85), although this difference did not reach significance (p = 0.337). PHIV switched to an INSTI-based regimen did not experience an excessive weight gain compared to those who were treated with a non-INSTI based regimen in our cohort.
Fermentative N-Methylanthranilate Production by Engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Walter Tatjana , Al Medani Nour , Burgardt Arthur , Cankar Katarina , Ferrer Lenny , Kerbs Anastasia , Lee Jin-Ho , Mindt Melanie , Risse Joe Max , Wendisch Volker F.
Published: June 2020

The N-functionalized amino acid N-methylanthranilate is an important precursor for bioactive compounds such as anticancer acridone alkaloids, the antinociceptive alkaloid O-isopropyl N-methylanthranilate, the flavor compound O-methyl-N-methylanthranilate, and as a building block for peptide-based drugs. Current chemical and biocatalytic synthetic routes to N-alkylated amino acids are often unprofitable and restricted to low yields or high costs through cofactor regeneration systems. Amino acid fermentation processes using the Gram-positive bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum are operated industrially at the million tons per annum scale. Fermentative processes using C. glutamicum for N-alkylated amino acids based on an imine reductase have been developed, while N-alkylation of the aromatic amino acid anthranilate with S-adenosyl methionine as methyl-donor has not been described for this bacterium. After metabolic engineering for enhanced supply of anthranilate by channeling carbon flux into the shikimate pathway, preventing by-product formation and enhancing sugar uptake, heterologous expression of the gene anmt encoding anthranilate N-methyltransferase from Ruta graveolens resulted in production of N-methylanthranilate (NMA), which accumulated in the culture medium. Increased SAM regeneration by coexpression of the homologous adenosylhomocysteinase gene sahH improved N-methylanthranilate production. In a test bioreactor culture, the metabolically engineered C. glutamicum C1* strain produced NMA to a final titer of 0.5 g·L−1 with a volumetric productivity of 0.01 g·L−1·h−1 and a yield of 4.8 mg·g−1 glucose.
Temporal Dynamics of the Gut Bacteriome and Mycobiome in the Weanling Pig
Authors: Arfken Ann M. , Frey Juli Foster , Summers Katie Lynn
Published: June 2020

Weaning is a period of environmental changes and stress that results in significant alterations to the piglet gut microbiome and is associated with a predisposition to disease, making potential interventions of interest to the swine industry. In other animals, interactions between the bacteriome and mycobiome can result in altered nutrient absorption and susceptibility to disease, but these interactions remain poorly understood in pigs. Recently, we assessed the colonization dynamics of fungi and bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of piglets at a single time point post-weaning (day 35) and inferred interactions were found between fungal and bacterial members of the porcine gut ecosystem. In this study, we performed a longitudinal assessment of the fecal bacteriome and mycobiome of piglets from birth through the weaning transition. Piglet feces in this study showed a dramatic shift over time in the bacterial and fungal communities, as well as an increase in network connectivity between the two kingdoms. The piglet fecal bacteriome showed a relatively stable and predictable pattern of development from Bacteroidaceae to Prevotellaceae, as seen in other studies, while the mycobiome demonstrated a loss in diversity over time with a post-weaning population dominated by Saccharomycetaceae. The mycobiome demonstrated a more transient community that is likely driven by factors such as diet or environmental exposure rather than an organized pattern of colonization and succession evidenced by fecal sample taxonomic clustering with nursey feed samples post-weaning. Due to the potential tractability of the community, the mycobiome may be a viable candidate for potential microbial interventions that will alter piglet health and growth during the weaning transition.
YycH and YycI Regulate Expression of Staphylococcus aureus Autolysins by Activation of WalRK Phosphorylation
Authors: Gajdiss Mike , Monk Ian R. , Bertsche Ute , Kienemund Janina , Funk Tanja , Dietrich Alina , Hort Michael , Sib Esther , Stinear Timothy P. , Bierbaum Gabriele
Published: June 2020

Staphylococcus aureus is a facultative pathogen that can encode numerous antibiotic resistance and immune evasion genes and can cause severe infections. Reduced susceptibility to last resort antibiotics such as vancomycin and daptomycin is often associated with mutations in walRK, an essential two-component regulatory system (TCS). This study focuses on the WalK accessory membrane proteins YycH and YycI and their influence on WalRK phosphorylation. Depletion of YycH and YycI by antisense RNA caused an impaired autolysis, indicating a positive regulatory function on WalK as has been previously described. Phosphorylation assays with full-length recombinant proteins in phospholipid liposomes showed that YycH and YycI stimulate WalK activity and that both regulatory proteins are needed for full activation of the WalK kinase. This was validated in vivo through examining the phosphorylation status of WalR using Phos-tag SDS-PAGE with a yycHI deletion mutant exhibiting reduced levels of phosphorylated WalR. In the yycHI knockdown strain, muropeptide composition of the cell wall was not affected, however, the wall teichoic acid content was increased. In conclusion, a direct modulation of WalRK phosphorylation activity by the accessory proteins YycH and YycI is reported both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results show that YycH and YycI are important in the direct regulation of WalRK-dependent cell wall metabolism.
Editorial for Special Issue “Nanomineralogy”
Authors: Ju Yiwen , Wan Quan , Hochella Michael F.
Published: June 2020

Nanoscience and nanotechnology study the properties of materials within the range 0 [...]
Lithium Enrichment in the No. 21 Coal of the Hebi No. 6 Mine, Anhe Coalfield, Henan Province, China
Authors: Wei Yingchun , He Wenbo , Qin Guohong , Fan Maohong , Cao Daiyong
Published: June 2020

Lithium (Li) is an important strategic resource, and with the increasing demand for Li, there are some limitations in the exploitation and utilization of conventional deposits such as the pegmatite-type and brine-type Li deposits. Therefore, it has become imperative to search for Li from other sources. Li in coal is thought to be one of the candidates. In this study, the petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of No. 21 coal from the Hebi No. 6 mine, Anhe Coalfield, China, was reported, with an emphasis on the distribution, modes of occurrence, and origin of Li. The results show that Li is enriched in the No. 21 coal, and its concentration coefficient (CC) value is 6.6 on average in comparison with common world coals. Lithium in the studied coal is mainly present in aluminosilicates, mainly clay minerals, some of which contain a significant amount of Ti. The Li enrichment in the No. 21 coal is mainly controlled by the terrigenous materials and sourced from the moyite of the Yinshan Upland. Furthermore, Li in the No. 21 coal is more enriched in coals formed in acidic and humid conditions and coals influenced by fresh water during peat accumulation.
Significance of Fracture-Filling Rose-Like Calcite Crystal Clusters in the SE Pyrenees
Authors: Cruset David , Ibáñez-Insa Jordi , Cantarero Irene , John Cédric M. , Travé Anna
Published: June 2020

Fracture-filling rose-like clusters of bladed calcite crystals are found in the northern sector of the Cadí thrust sheet (SE Pyrenees). This unusual calcite crystal morphology has been characterized by using optical and electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, δ18O, δ13C, 87Sr/86Sr, clumped isotopes, and major and rare earth elements + yttrium (REEs + Y) analysis. Petrographic observations and powder X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that these bladed crystals are mainly made of massive rhombic crystals with the conventional (104) faces, as well as of possibly younger, less abundant, and smaller laminar crystals displaying (108) and/or ( 1 ¯ 08) rhombic faces. Raman analysis of liquid fluid inclusions indicates the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons and occasionally alkanes. Clumped isotopes thermometry reflects that bladed calcite precipitated from meteoric fluids at ~60–65 °C. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios and major elements and REEs content of calcite indicate that these fluids interacted with Eocene marine carbonates. The presence of younger ‘nailhead’ calcite indicates later migration of shallow fresh groundwater. The results reveal that rose-like calcite clusters precipitated, at least in the studied area, due to a CO2 release by boiling of meteoric waters that mixed with benzene and aromatic hydrocarbons. This mixing decreased the boiling temperature at ~60–65 °C. The results also suggest that the high Sr content in calcite, and probably the presence of proteins within hydrocarbons trapped in fluid inclusions, controlled the precipitation of bladed crystals with (104) rhombohedral faces.
Bioethanol Production from Vineyard Waste by Autohydrolysis Pretreatment and Chlorite Delignification via Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation
Authors: Senila Lacrimioara , Kovacs Eniko , Scurtu Daniela Alexandra , Cadar Oana , Becze Anca , Senila Marin , Levei Erika Andrea , Dumitras Diana Elena , Tenu Ioan , Roman Cecilia
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the production of a second-generation bioethanol from lignocellulosic vineyard cutting wastes was investigated in order to define the optimal operating conditions of the autohydrolysis pretreatment, chlorite delignification and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The autohydrolysis of vine-shoot wastes resulted in liquors containing mainly a mixture of monosaccharides, degradation products and spent solids (rich in cellulose and lignin), with potential utility in obtaining valuable chemicals and bioethanol. The autohydrolysis of the vine-shoot wastes was carried out at 165 and 180 °C for 10 min residence time, and the resulted solid and liquid phases composition were analysed. The resulted liquid fraction contained hemicellulosic sugars as a mixture of alpha (α) and beta (β) sugar anomers, and secondary by-products. The solid fraction was delignified using the sodium chlorite method for the separation of lignin and easier access of enzymes to the cellulosic sugars, and then, converted to ethanol by the SSF process. The maximum bioethanol production (6%) was obtained by autohydrolysis (165 °C), chlorite delignification and SSF process at 37 °C, 10% solid loading, 72 h. The principal component analysis was used to identify the main parameters that influence the chemical compositions of vine-shoot waste for different varieties.