bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Two-Dimensional Magnetostrictive Fillers of CoFe2O4-Intercalated Graphene Oxide Sheets in 3-2 Type Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-Based Magnetoelectric Films
Authors: Baek Geunryeol , Yang Su-Chul
Published: May 2021

In the last decade, magnetoelectric (ME) polymer films have been developed by including zero-dimensional or one-dimensional magnetostrictive fillers in a piezoelectric polymer matrix. Existing reports on ME polymer films reveal that the shape of the magnetostrictive fillers is a critical determinant of the polymeric phase conformation, strain transfer between the piezoelectric and magnetostrictive phases, and dipole alignment in the films. In this study, to investigate the effect of two-dimensional (2D) magnetostrictive fillers on piezoelectric, magnetic, and magnetoelectric responses, 3-2 type ME films were prepared using CoFe2O4-intercalated graphene oxide (CFO-i-GO) fillers and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymers. The 2D fillers of CFO-i-GO were hydrothermally synthesized by CFO intercalation into the interlayers of GO sheets with different lateral sizes, which were controlled by ultrasonication treatment. It was found that the large-lateral-size GO (LGO), medium-lateral-size GO (MGO), and small-lateral-size GO (SGO) fillers in the PVDF-based ME films exhibited a lateral size effect on CFO intercalation, polymeric phase conformation, dipole alignment, and magnetoelectric responses. A maximum ME coefficient (αME) of 3.0 mV/cm∙Oe was achieved with a strong linearity (r2) of 0.9992 at an off-resonance frequency (f) of 1 kHz and applied direct current (dc) magnetic field (Hdc) of ± 1000 Oe. The 3-2 type polymer-based ME films with reliable ME responses have potential for use in high-feasibility ME devices for biomedical sensing applications.
Inhibitory Effect of pH-Responsive Nanogel Encapsulating Ginsenoside CK against Lung Cancer
Authors: Xue Ziyang , Fu Rongzhan , Duan Zhiguang , Chi Lei , Zhu Chenhui , Fan Daidi
Published: May 2021

Ginsenoside CK is one of the intestinal bacterial metabolites of ginsenoside prototype saponins, such as ginsenoside Rb1, Rb2, Rc, and Rd. Poor water solubility and low bioavailability have limited its application. The nanogel carriers could specifically deliver hydrophobic drugs to cancer cells. Therefore, in this study, a nanogel was constructed by the formation of Schiff base bonds between hydrazide-modified carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-NH2) and aldehyde-modified β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-CHO). A water-in-oil reverse microemulsion method was utilized to encapsulate ginsenoside CK via the hydrophobic cavity of β-CD. β-CD-CHO with a unique hydrophobic cavity carried out efficient encapsulation of CK, and the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were 16.4% and 70.9%, respectively. The drug release of CK-loaded nanogels (CK-Ngs) in vitro was investigated in different pH environments, and the results showed that the cumulative release rate at pH 5.8 was 85.5% after 140 h. The methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) toxicity analysis indicated that the survival rates of A549 cells in CK-Ngs at 96 h was 2.98% compared to that of CK (11.34%). In vivo animal experiments exhibited that the inhibitory rates of CK-Ngs against tumor volume was 73.8%, which was higher than that of CK (66.1%). Collectively, the pH-responsive nanogel prepared herein could be considered as a potential nanocarrier for CK to improve its antitumor effects against lung cancer.
Effect of Active Coatings Containing Lippa citriodora Kunth. Essential Oil on Bacterial Diversity and Myofibrillar Proteins Degradation in Refrigerated Large Yellow Croaker
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Xuesong , Gao Xin , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: May 2021

The research evaluated the effects of locust bean gum (LBG) and sodium alginate (SA) active coatings containing 0.15, 0.30 or 0.60% lemon verbena (Lippa citriodora Kunth.) essential oil (LVEO) on the bacterial diversity and myofibrillar proteins (MPs) of large yellow croaker during refrigerated storage at 4 °C for 18 days. Variability in the dominant bacterial community in different samples on the 0, 9th and 18th day was observed. Pseudomonas and Shewanella were the two major genera identified during refrigerated storage. At the beginning, the richness of Pseudomonas was about 37.31% and increased for control (CK) samples during refrigerated storage, however, the LVEO-treated samples increased sharply from day 0 to the 9th day and then decreased. LBG-SA coatings containing LVEO treatments significantly delayed MPs oxidation by retarding the formation of free carbonyl compounds and maintaining higher sulfhydryl content, higher Ca2+-ATPase activity, better organized secondary (higher contents of α-helix and β-sheet) and tertiary structures during refrigerated storage. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that the integrity of the sarcomere was damaged; the boundaries of the H-, A-, and I-bands, Z-disk, and M-line were fuzzy in the CK samples at the end of storage. However, the LVEO-treated samples were still regular in appearance with distinct dark A-bands, light I-bands, and Z-disk. In brief, LBG-SA active coatings containing LVEO treatments suggested a feasible method for protecting the MPs of large yellow croaker during refrigerated storage.
Significantly Enhanced Dielectric Properties of Ag-Deposited (In1/2Nb1/2)0.1Ti0.9O2/PVDF Polymer Composites
Authors: Tuichai Wattana , Kum-onsa Pornsawan , Danwittayakul Supamas , Manyam Jedsada , Harnchana Viyada , Thongbai Prasit , Phromviyo Nutthakritta , Chindaprasirt Prinya
Published: May 2021

The enhanced dielectric permittivity (ε′) while retaining a low loss tangent (tanδ) in silver nanoparticle−(In1/2Nb1/2)0.1Ti0.9O2/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (Ag-INTO/PVDF) composites with different volume fractions of a filler (fAg-INTO) was investigated. The hybrid particles were fabricated by coating Ag nanoparticles onto the surface of INTO particles, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The ε′ of the Ag−INTO/PVDF composites could be significantly enhanced to ~86 at 1 kHz with a low tanδ of ~0.044. The enhanced ε′ value was approximately >8-fold higher than that of the pure PVDF polymer for the composite with fAg-INTO = 0.5. Furthermore, ε′ was nearly independent of frequency in the range of 102–106 Hz. Therefore, filling Ag−INTO hybrid particles into a PVDF matrix is an effective way to increase ε′ while retaining a low tanδ of polymer composites. The effective medium percolation theory model can be used to fit the experimental ε′ values with various fAg-INTO values. The greatly increased ε′ primarily originated from interfacial polarization at the conducting Ag nanoparticle–PVDF and Ag–INTO interfaces, and it was partially contributed by the high ε′ of INTO particles. A low tanδ was obtained because the formation of the conducting network in the polymer was inhibited by preventing the direct contact of Ag nanoparticles.
Thermophysical Properties of Multifunctional Syntactic Foams Containing Phase Change Microcapsules for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Galvagnini Francesco , Dorigato Andrea , Fambri Luca , Fredi Giulia , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Syntactic foams (SFs) combining an epoxy resin and hollow glass microspheres (HGM) feature a unique combination of low density, high mechanical properties, and low thermal conductivity which can be tuned according to specific applications. In this work, the versatility of epoxy/HGM SFs was further expanded by adding a microencapsulated phase change material (PCM) providing thermal energy storage (TES) ability at a phase change temperature of 43 °C. At this aim, fifteen epoxy (HGM/PCM) compositions with a total filler content (HGM + PCM) of up to 40 vol% were prepared and characterized. The experimental results were fitted with statistical models, which resulted in ternary diagrams that visually represented the properties of the ternary systems and simplified trend identification. Dynamic rheological tests showed that the PCM increased the viscosity of the epoxy resin more than HGM due to the smaller average size (20 µm vs. 60 µm) and that the systems containing both HGM and PCM showed lower viscosity than those containing only one filler type, due to the higher packing efficiency of bimodal filler distributions. HGM strongly reduced the gravimetric density and the thermal insulation properties. In fact, the sample with 40 vol% of HGM showed a density of 0.735 g/cm3 (−35% than neat epoxy) and a thermal conductivity of 0.12 W/(m∙K) (−40% than neat epoxy). Moreover, the increase in the PCM content increased the specific phase change enthalpy, which was up to 68 J/g for the sample with 40 vol% of PCM, with a consequent improvement in the thermal management ability that was also evidenced by temperature profiling tests in transient heating and cooling regimes. Finally, dynamical mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) showed that both fillers decreased the storage modulus but generally increased the storage modulus normalized by density (E′/ρ) up to 2440 MPa/(g/cm3) at 25 °C with 40 vol% of HGM (+48% than neat epoxy). These results confirmed that the main asset of these ternary multifunctional syntactic foams is their versatility, as the composition can be tuned to reach the property set that best matches the application requirements in terms of TES ability, thermal insulation, and low density.
Localized Enzyme-Assisted Self-Assembly in the Presence of Hyaluronic Acid for Hybrid Supramolecular Hydrogel Coating
Authors: Rodon Fores Jennifer , Bigo-Simon Alexis , Wagner Déborah , Payrastre Mathilde , Damestoy Camille , Blandin Lucille , Boulmedais Fouzia , Kelber Julien , Schmutz Marc , Rabineau Morgane , Criado-Gonzalez Miryam , Schaaf Pierre , Jierry Loïc
Published: May 2021

Hydrogel coating is highly suitable in biomaterial design. It provides biocompatibility and avoids protein adsorption leading to inflammation and rejection of implants. Moreover, hydrogels can be loaded with biologically active compounds. In this field, hyaluronic acid has been largely studied as an additional component since this polysaccharide is naturally present in extracellular matrix. Strategies to direct hydrogelation processes exclusively from the surface using a fully biocompatible approach are rare. Herein we have applied the concept of localized enzyme-assisted self-assembly to direct supramolecular hydrogels in the presence of HA. Based on electronic and fluorescent confocal microscopy, rheological measurements and cell culture investigations, this work highlights the following aspects: (i) the possibility to control the thickness of peptide-based hydrogels at the micrometer scale (18–41 µm) through the proportion of HA (2, 5 or 10 mg/mL); (ii) the structure of the self-assembled peptide nanofibrous network is affected by the growing amount of HA which induces the collapse of nanofibers leading to large assembled microstructures underpinning the supramolecular hydrogel matrix; (iii) this changing internal architecture induces a decrease of the elastic modulus from 2 to 0.2 kPa when concentration of HA is increasing; (iv) concomitantly, the presence of HA in supramolecular hydrogel coatings is suitable for cell viability and adhesion of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.
Zn-Containing Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration in Dentistry
Authors: Toledano Manuel , Vallecillo-Rivas Marta , Osorio María T. , Muñoz-Soto Esther , Toledano-Osorio Manuel , Vallecillo Cristina , Toledano Raquel , Lynch Christopher D. , Serrera-Figallo María-Angeles , Osorio Raquel
Published: May 2021

Barrier membranes are employed in guided bone regeneration (GBR) to facilitate bone in-growth. A bioactive and biomimetic Zn-doped membrane with the ability to participate in bone healing and regeneration is necessary. The aim of the present study is to state the effect of doping the membranes for GBR with zinc compounds in the improvement of bone regeneration. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, DIMDI, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. A narrative exploratory review was undertaken, focusing on the antibacterial effects, physicochemical and biological properties of Zn-loaded membranes. Bioactivity, bone formation and cytotoxicity were analyzed. Microstructure and mechanical properties of these membranes were also determined. Zn-doped membranes have inhibited in vivo and in vitro bacterial colonization. Zn-alloy and Zn-doped membranes attained good biocompatibility and were found to be non-toxic to cells. The Zn-doped matrices showed feasible mechanical properties, such as flexibility, strength, complex modulus and tan delta. Zn incorporation in polymeric membranes provided the highest regenerative efficiency for bone healing in experimental animals, potentiating osteogenesis, angiogenesis, biological activity and a balanced remodeling. Zn-loaded membranes doped with SiO2 nanoparticles have performed as bioactive modulators provoking an M2 macrophage increase and are a potential biomaterial for promoting bone repair. Zn-doped membranes have promoted pro-healing phenotypes.
Binderless Thermal Insulation Panels Made of Spruce Bark Fibres
Authors: Gößwald Jakob , Barbu Marius-Cătălin , Petutschnigg Alexander , Tudor Eugenia Mariana
Published: May 2021

Tree bark is a by-product of the timber industry available in large amounts, considering that approximately 10% of the volume of a tree stem is bark. Bark is used primarily for low-value applications such as heat generation or as mulch. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first one that scrutinises thermal insulation panels made from spruce bark fibres with different densities and fibre lengths manufactured in a wet process. The insulation boards with densities between 160 and 300 kg/m3 were self-bonded. Internal bond, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability (thickness swelling and water absorption), together with formaldehyde content, were analysed. The thermal properties of the boards were directly correlated with the density and reached about 0.044 W/m*K, while the internal bond was rather influenced by the fibre length and was relatively low (on average 0.07 N/mm2). The water absorption was high (from 55% to 380%), while the thickness swelling remained moderate (up to 23%). The results of this study have shown that widely available bark residues can be successfully utilised as an innovative raw material for efficient eco-friendly thermal insulation products.
Functionalisable Epoxy-rich Electrospun Fibres Based on Renewable Terpene for Multi-Purpose Applications
Authors: Montanari Ulisse , Cocchi Davide , Brugo Tommaso Maria , Pollicino Antonino , Taresco Vincenzo , Romero Fernandez Maria , Moore Jonathan C. , Sagnelli Domenico , Paradisi Francesca , Zucchelli Andrea , Howdle Steven M. , Gualandi Chiara
Published: May 2021

New bio-based polymers capable of either outperforming fossil-based alternatives or possessing new properties and functionalities are of relevant interest in the framework of the circular economy. In this work, a novel bio-based polycarvone acrylate di-epoxide (PCADE) was used as an additive in a one-step straightforward electrospinning process to endow the fibres with functionalisable epoxy groups at their surface. To demonstrate the feasibility of the approach, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fibres loaded with different amounts of PCADE were prepared. A thorough characterisation by TGA, DSC, DMTA and XPS showed that the two polymers are immiscible and that PCADE preferentially segregates at the fibre surface, thus developing a very simple one-step approach to the preparation of ready-to-use surface functionalisable fibres. We demonstrated this by exploiting the epoxy groups at the PVDF fibre surface in two very different applications, namely in epoxy-based carbon fibre reinforced composites and membranes for ω-transaminase enzyme immobilisation for heterogeneous catalysis.
Complementary Study Based on DFT of Optical and Electronic Properties of New Copolymer PVK-F8T2
Authors: Ben Salah Yasmine , Altowyan Abeer S. , Mbarek Mohamed , Alimi Kamel
Published: May 2021

This article is mainly a complementary study of a novel part of π-conjugated copolymers based on the poly (N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) and poly (9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-bithiophene) (F8T2) unit based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT). This study is carried out to explore the structural and optoelectronic characteristics of a new organic material named PVK-F8T2. First, the structural, optical (absorption, photoluminescence, optical transition), electronic (molecular orbital (MO), energy-level diagram) and vibratory parameters of infrared (IR) were computed and compared with experimental studies. In addition, we calculated the level energy of the excited states and their corresponding transitions. Obviously, electronic parameters such as highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO and LUMO), ionization potential (IP), electronic affinity (EA) and the energy band gap (Eg) were computed in order to elucidate the intramolecular charge transport and to establish the energetic diagrams of the PVK-F8T2 copolymer for different states. The results obtained looked with precision at future optoelectronic applications. From these results, we have shown that the PVK-F8T2 has significant optoelectronic properties and seems usable as an active layer in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).
The New Approach to the Preparation of Polyacrylamide-Based Hydrogels: Initiation of Polymerization of Acrylamide with 1,3-Dimethylimidazolium (Phosphonooxy-)Oligosulphanide under Drying Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Tarasova Natalia , Zanin Alexey , Krivoborodov Efrem , Toropygin Ilya , Pascal Ekaterina , Mezhuev Yaroslav
Published: May 2021

The new initiator of the polymerization of acrylamide, leading to the formation of crosslinked polyacrylamide, was discovered. The structure of the synthesized polyacrylamide was characterized by XRD, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. It was shown that 1,3-dimethylimidazolium (phosphonooxy-)oligosulphanide is able to initiate radical polymerization under drying aqueous solutions of acrylamide, even at room temperature. According to XRF data, the synthesized polyacrylamide gel contains 0.28 wt% of sulphur. The formed polymer network has a low crosslinking density and a high equilibrium degree of swelling. The swelling rate of polyacrylamide gel in water corresponds to the first order kinetic equation with the rate constant 6.2 × 10−2 min−1. The initiator is promising for combining acrylamide polymerization with the processes of gel molding and drying.
Rheology and Water Absorption Properties of Alginate–Soy Protein Composites
Authors: Álvarez-Castillo Estefanía , Aguilar José Manuel , Bengoechea Carlos , López-Castejón María Luisa , Guerrero Antonio
Published: May 2021

Composite materials based on proteins and carbohydrates normally offer improved water solubility, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, which make them attractive for a wide range of applications. Soy protein isolate (SPI) has shown superabsorbent properties that are useful in fields such as agriculture. Alginate salts (ALG) are linear anionic polysaccharides obtained at a low cost from brown algae, displaying a good enough biocompatibility to be considered for medical applications. As alginates are quite hydrophilic, the exchange of ions from guluronic acid present in its molecular structure with divalent cations, particularly Ca2+, may induce its gelation, which would inhibit its solubilization in water. Both biopolymers SPI and ALG were used to produce composites through injection moulding using glycerol (Gly) as a plasticizer. Different biopolymer/plasticizer ratios were employed, and the SPI/ALG ratio within the biopolymer fraction was also varied. Furthermore, composites were immersed in different CaCl2 solutions to inhibit the amount of soluble matter loss and to enhance the mechanical properties of the resulting porous matrices. The main goal of the present work was the development and characterization of green porous matrices with inhibited solubility thanks to the gelation of alginate.
Effect of Off-Axis Ply on Tensile Properties of [0/θ]ns Thin Ply Laminates by Experiments and Numerical Method
Authors: Hu Junfeng , Deng Xi , Zhang Xutong , Wang Wen-Xue , Matsubara Terutake
Published: May 2021

The effect of off-axis ply on the tensile properties of unbalanced symmetric [0/θ]ns laminates was explored through experimental and numerical analysis. Six CFRP [0/θ]2s plies with different off-axis angles θ were fabricated for tensile tests. In situ observations of the damage to the laminates were conducted to investigate the initiation and progressive growth of the laminates during the tension tests. The fiber fractures, crack initiation, and progressive propagation were analyzed by observing the free edge of the laminates, and the difference in damage behavior caused by different off-axis angles was investigated. All the six [0/θ]2s plies with off-axis angles θ ranging from 15° to 90° showed approximate linear stress–strain responses in the tensile tests. Matrix cracks were not observed prior to the final catastrophic failure in the off-axis layers of the [0/θ]2s laminates with a θ in the range of 15–60°. Finite element analysis (FEA) of the [0/θ]s plies was conducted using a 3D micromechanical model, in which matrix cracking and fiber-matrix debonding in the off-axis layer were simulated using a cohesive interface element. Three micromechanical crack-free, cohesive interface, and initial crack models were analyzed to predict the influence of the matrix cracks inside the off-axis layer on the damage behavior of the [0/θ]s laminates. The numerical results from the initial crack micromechanical model show a lower bound of the tensile strength of the [0/θ]s plies. A high stress concentration is observed adjacent to the cracked off-axis layer, inducing a tensile strength loss of about 20%.
Collagen Matrix vs. Autogenous Connective Tissue Graft for Soft Tissue Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vallecillo Cristina , Toledano-Osorio Manuel , Vallecillo-Rivas Marta , Toledano Manuel , Rodriguez-Archilla Alberto , Osorio Raquel
Published: May 2021

Soft tissues have been shown to be critical for the maintenance of both teeth and implants. Currently, regenerative soft tissue techniques propose the use of collagen matrices, which can avoid the drawbacks derived from the obtainment of autogenous tissue graft. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to ascertain the efficacy of collagen matrices (CM) compared to autogenous connective tissue graft (CTG) to improve soft tissue dimensions. An electronic and manual literature searches were performed to identify randomized clinical trials (RCT) or controlled clinical trials (CCT) that compared CTG and CM. Pooled data of width of keratinized tissue (KT) and mucosal thickness (MT) were collected and weighted means were calculated. Heterogeneity was determined using Higgins (I2). If I2 > 50% a random-effects model was applied. Nineteen studies were included based on the eligibility criteria. When using CTG a higher MT gain (0.32 mm, ranging from 0.49 to 0.16 mm) was obtained than when employing CM. Similar result was obtained for the width of KT gain, that was 0.46 mm higher (ranging from 0.89 to 0.02 mm) when employing CTG. However, it can be stated that, although autogenous CTG achieves higher values, CM are an effective alternative in terms of total width of KT and MT gain.
Enhancing Pervaporation Membrane Selectivity by Incorporating Star Macromolecules Modified with Ionic Liquid for Intensification of Lactic Acid Dehydration
Authors: Rostovtseva Valeriia , Pulyalina Alexandra , Dubovenko Roman , Faykov Ilya , Subbotina Kseniya , Saprykina Natalia , Novikov Alexander , Vinogradova Ludmila , Polotskaya Galina
Published: May 2021

Modification of polymer matrix by hybrid fillers is a promising way to produce membranes with excellent separation efficiency due to variations in membrane structure. High-performance membranes for the pervaporation dehydration were produced by modifying poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) to facilitate lactic acid purification. Ionic liquid (IL), heteroarm star macromolecules (HSM), and their combination (IL:HSM) were employed as additives to the polymer matrix. The composition and structure of hybrid membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the membranes surface and cross-section morphology. It was established that the inclusion of modifiers in the polymer matrix leads to the change of membrane structure. The influence of IL:HSM was also studied via sorption experiments and pervaporation of water‒lactic acid mixtures. Lactic acid is an essential compound in many industries, including food, pharmaceutical, chemical, while the recovering and purifying account for approximately 50% of its production cost. It was found that the membranes selectively remove water from the feed. Quantum mechanical calculations determine the favorable interactions between various membrane components and the liquid mixture. With IL:HSM addition, the separation factor and performance in lactic acid dehydration were improved compared with pure polymer membrane. The best performance was found for (HSM: IL)-PPO/UPM composite membrane, where the permeate flux and the separation factor of about 0.06 kg m−2 h−1 and 749, respectively, were obtained. The research results demonstrated that ionic liquids in combination with star macromolecules for membrane modification could be a promising approach for membrane design.
Recent Advances in Thermoresponsive OEGylated Poly(amino acid)s
Authors: Geng Chao , Wang Shixue , Wang Hongda
Published: May 2021

Thermoresponsive polymers have been widely studied in the past decades due to their potential applications in biomedicine, nanotechnology, and so on. As is known, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(oligo(ethylene glycol)methacrylates) (POEGMAs) are the most popular thermoresponsive polymers, and have been studied extensively. However, more advanced thermoresponsive polymers with excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity also need to be developed for biomedical applications. OEGylated poly(amino acid)s are a kind of novel polymer which are synthesized by attaching one or multiple oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) chains to poly(amino acid) (PAA).These polymers combine the great solubility of OEG, and the excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and well defined secondary structures of PAA. These advantages allow them to have great application prospects in the field of biomedicine. Therefore, the study of OEGylated poly(amino acid)s has attracted more attention recently. In this review, we summarized the development of thermoresponsive OEGylated poly(amino acid)s in recent years, including the synthesis method (such as ring-opening polymerization, post-polymerization modification, and Ugi reaction), stimuli-response behavior study, and secondary structure study. We hope that this periodical summary will be more conducive to design, synthesis and application of OEGylated poly(amino acid)s in the future.
Cost-Efficacy of Antiretroviral Regimens Recommended in Treatment-Naive HIV-Infected Adults. A Single Center Experience
Authors: Jipa Raluca , Nedelcu Iulia , Manea Eliza , Damalan Anca , Hristea Adriana
Published: May 2021

We aimed to assess the prescription trends of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in one infectious diseases department and the cost-efficacy (C/E) of different regimens used in treatment-naïve patients. The C/E was assessed with a software application developed by a group of researchers in Spain. The efficacy was already calculated in the application. The costs included the local cost of antiretrovirals and other direct costs specific to our institution. In the software application, the C/E reference regimen was ABC/3TC/DTG. In total, 181 HIV-infected patients were diagnosed and initiated cART during 2015–2019. The proportion of patients treated with integrase-strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens increased from 2015–2018 (54%) to the end of 2019 (81%). The relative C/E ranged from 0.90 to 1.28 for the evaluated INSTI-based regimens. Among INSTI-based regimens, ABC/3TC/DTG and TAF/FTC/EVG/c are the regimens with similar efficacy and relative C/E.
Impact of High-Power Ultrasound for Barrel Regeneration on the Extraction of Wood Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds
Authors: Breniaux Marion , Renault Philippe , Ghidossi Rémy
Published: May 2021

High-power ultrasound (HPU) is an innovative cleaning method used in wineries for oak barrel sanitation and regeneration. The process is associated with hot water (HPUhw) to ensure microbial stabilization and has been proved to be highly effective in recent years. This study thus examines the impact of different cleaning treatments on the subsequent extraction of wood compounds in wine and their impact on organoleptic properties. Red wines aging in barrels treated (HPUhw and steam) in different years (1, 2, and 3 years) were examined during the first 12 months for chemical exchange from wood to wine. Specific analyses were realized on ellagitannins, the physicochemical composition, and oak wood volatile compounds. Only a small increase in some wood volatile compounds occurred in the case of HPUhw, including furfural, 5-methylfurfural, trans-whisky lactone, vanillin, and syringaldehyde. The sensory analysis carried out by a panel of experts showed that the impact on the organoleptic properties of wines is similar with both processes (HPUhw and steam). However, since HPUhw treatment requires lower energy for the same efficiency, it could be an interesting alternative to steam treatment, given the promising prior microbial results.
The Tolerance of Anoxic-Oxic (A/O) Process for the Changing of Refractory Organics in Electroplating Wastewater: Performance, Optimization and Microbial Characteristics
Authors: Gao Jingsi , Duan Chongsen , Huang Xiao , Yu Jianghua , Cao Zhen , Zhu Jia
Published: May 2021

In order to investigate the tolerance of an anoxic-oxic (A/O) process for the changing of refractory organics in electroplating wastewater, optimize the technological parameters, and reveal the microbial characteristics, a pilot-scale A/O process was carried out and the microbial community composition was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. The results indicated that a better tolerance was achieved for sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, and the removal efficiencies of organic matter, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), and total nitrogen (TN) were 82.87%, 66.47%, and 53.28% with the optimum hydraulic retention time (HRT), internal circulation and dissolved oxygen (DO) was 12 h, 200% and 2–3 mg/L, respectively. Additionally, high-throughput sequencing results demonstrated that Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant bacteria phylum, and the diversity of the microbial community in the stable-state period was richer than that in the start-up period.
Optimization of the Bioactivation of Isoflavones in Soymilk by Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Izaguirre Jon Kepa , Barañano Leire , Castañón Sonia , Alkorta Itziar , Quirós Luis M. , Garbisu Carlos
Published: May 2021

Soybeans and soy-based products contain isoflavones which can be used for nutraceutical and medical applications. In soybeans and in unfermented soy foods, isoflavones are normally present as glycosides. Isoflavone glycosides can be enzymatically converted to isoflavone aglycones, thus releasing the sugar molecule. The effective absorption of isoflavones in humans requires the bioconversion of isoflavone glycosides to isoflavone aglycones through the activity of the enzyme β-glucosidase. The objective was to assess the capacity of 42 bacterial strains (belonging to Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Enterococcus) to produce β-glucosidase activity. The strain that showed the highest β-glucosidase activity (Lactobacillus plantarum 128/2) was then used for the optimization of the bioconversion of genistin and daidzin present in commercial soymilk to their aglycone forms genistein and daidzein. The contribution of process parameters (temperature, inoculum size, time) to the efficiency of such bioactivation was tested. Lactobacillus plantarum 128/2 was able to completely bioactivate soymilk isoflavones under the following conditions: 25 °C temperature, 2% inoculum size and 48 h process time. These results confirm the suitability of lactic acid bacteria for the bioactivation of isoflavones present in soymilk and provide an interesting candidate (L. plantarum 182/2) for food industries to perform this transformation.
Considerations of the Impacts of Cell-Specific Growth and Production Rate on Clone Selection—A Simulation Study
Authors: Hernández Rodríguez Tanja , Morerod Sophie , Pörtner Ralf , Wurm Florian M. , Frahm Björn
Published: May 2021

For the manufacturing of complex biopharmaceuticals using bioreactors with cultivated mammalian cells, high product concentration is an important objective. The phenotype of the cells in a reactor plays an important role. Are clonal cell populations showing high cell-specific growth rates more favorable than cell lines with higher cell-specific productivities or vice versa? Five clonal Chinese hamster ovary cell populations were analyzed based on the data of a 3-month-stability study. We adapted a mechanistic cell culture model to the experimental data of one such clonally derived cell population. Uncertainties and prior knowledge concerning model parameters were considered using Bayesian parameter estimations. This model was used then to define an inoculum train protocol. Based on this, we subsequently simulated the impacts of differences in growth rates (±10%) and production rates (±10% and ±50%) on the overall cultivation time, including making the inoculum train cultures; the final production phase, the volumetric titer in that bioreactor and the ratio of both, defined as overall process productivity. We showed thus unequivocally that growth rates have a higher impact (up to three times) on overall process productivity and for product output per year, whereas cells with higher productivity can potentially generate higher product concentrations in the production vessel.
Automating Laboratory Processes by Connecting Biotech and Robotic Devices—An Overview of the Current Challenges, Existing Solutions and Ongoing Developments
Authors: Biermann Ferdinand , Mathews Julius , Nießing Bastian , König Niels , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: May 2021

The constantly growing interest and range of applications of advanced cell, gene and regenerative therapies raise the need for efficient production of biological material and novel treatment technologies. Many of the production and manipulation processes of such materials are still manual and, therefore, need to be transferred to a fully automated execution. Developers of such systems face several challenges, one of which is mechanical and communication interfaces in biotechnological devices. In the present state, many devices are still designed for manual use and rarely provide a connection to external software for receiving commands and sending data. However, a trend towards automation on the device market is clearly visible, and the communication protocol, Open Platform Communications Data Access (OPC DA), seems to become established as a standard in biotech devices. A rising number of vendors offer software for device control and automated processing, some of which even allow the integration of devices from multiple manufacturers. The high, application-specific need in functionalities, flexibility and adaptivity makes it difficult to find the best solution and, in many cases, leads to the creation of new custom-designed software. This report shall give an overview of existing technologies, devices and software for laboratory automation of biotechnological processes. Furthermore, it presents an outlook for possible future developments and standardizations.
Design and Development of Software for the SILAR Control Process Using a Low-Cost Embedded System
Authors: Calixto-Rodriguez M. , Valdez Martínez Jorge S. , Meneses-Arcos M. A. , Ortega-Cruz Jose , Sarmiento-Bustos E. , Reyes-Mayer Adriana , González-Castañeda Michelle , Domínguez García Rodolfo Omar
Published: May 2021

Inexpensive equipment for the deposition of semiconductor thin films by SILAR was designed. Using a low-cost embedded system, a prototype controlled through a human–machine interface (HMI) was constructed. Simple, open-source software was used. The use of an HMI and programming based on state machines showed an improvement in the system control, program flow, and efficiency. The system development consists of three stages: structural design, electronics, and programming of the control and HMI. This system controls the variables of the SILAR process, such as immersion time in chemical solutions, sequence of substrates, and the number of cycles. In order to test the automated SILAR prototype, copper oxide thin films on glass substrates were processed. The copper oxide thin films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-VIS, and SEM to investigate the structural, optical, and morphological properties, respectively.
Capabilities and Limitations of 3D-CFD Simulation of Anode Flow Fields of High-Pressure PEM Water Electrolysis
Authors: Haas Christoph , Macherhammer Marie-Gabrielle , Klopcic Nejc , Trattner Alexander
Published: May 2021

In this work, single-phase (liquid water) and two-phase (liquid water and gaseous oxygen) 3D-CFD flow analysis of the anode of a high pressure PEM electrolysis cell was conducted. 3D-CFD simulation models of the anode side porous transport layer of a PEM electrolyzer cell were created for the flow analysis. For the geometrical modelling of the PTL, two approaches were used: (a) modelling the exact geometry and (b) modelling a simplified geometry using a porosity model. Before conducting two-phase simulations, the model was validated using a single-phase approach. The Eulerian multiphase and the volume-of-fluid approaches were used for the two-phase modelling and the results were compared. Furthermore, a small section of the PTL was isolated to focus on the gas bubble flow and behaviour in more detail. The results showed plausible tendencies regarding pressure drop, velocity distribution and gas volume fraction distribution. The simplified geometry using the porous model could adequately replicate the results of the exact geometry model with a significant reduction in simulation time. The developed simulation model can be used for further investigations and gives insight into two-phase flow phenomena in the PTL. Additionally, the information obtained from simulation can aid the design and evaluation of new PTL structures.
Mining Industry Impact on Environmental Sustainability, Economic Growth, Social Interaction, and Public Health: An Application of Semi-Quantitative Mathematical Approach
Authors: Mohsin Muhammad , Zhu Qiang , Naseem Sobia , Sarfraz Muddassar , Ivascu Larisa
Published: May 2021

The mining industry plays a significant role in economic growth and development. Coal is a viable renewable energy source with 185.175 billion deposits in Thar, which has not been deeply explored. Although coal is an energy source and contributes to economic development, it puts pressure on environmental sustainability. The current study investigates Sindh Engro coal mining’s impact on environmental sustainability and human needs and interest. The Folchi and Phillips Environmental Sustainability Mathematics models are employed to measure environmental sustainability. The research findings demonstrated that Sindh Engro coal mining is potentially unsustainable for the environment. The toxic gases (methane, carbon dioxide, sulfur, etc.) are released during operational activities. The four significant environment spheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere) are negatively influenced by Thar coal mining. The second part of the analysis results shows that human needs and interests have a positive and significant relationship except for human health and safety with Sindh Engro coal mining. Environmental pollution can be controlled by utilizing environmentally friendly coal mining operations and technologies. Plantation and ecological normalization can protect the species, flora, and fauna of the Thar Desert. The government of Pakistan and the provincial government of Sind should strictly check the adaptation of environmental standards. Furthermore, the researchers should explore the environmental issues and solutions so that coal mining becomes a cost-efficient and environmental-friendly energy source in Pakistan.
Where the Research Interests of Graduate Students in China’s Christian Universities Lie
Authors: Li Fulin , Wu Qing
Published: May 2021

Focusing on the research landscape for graduate students of China’s Christian universities is of great significance for making sense of the path along which the theological and practical studies are conducted by contemporary China’s Christian universities and for promoting the dialogue and understanding between Chinese and foreign seminaries. In this research, thesis topics selected by graduate students majoring in theology are classified into four categories: universal theoretical research, universal practical research, theoretical research of Chinese Christianity, and practical research of Chinese Christianity. Results of coded categorical data analysis and case study show that graduate students mainly focus on universal theories without giving adequate attention to the topic of the “Sinification” of Christianity. In their universal theoretical research, graduate students examine classic Christian works and theological thoughts of important figures in a detailed and in-depth way. Universal practical studies are skewed to practices of religious reforms and teaching improvements from a multidisciplinary perspective. In the theoretical research of Sinified Christianity, researchers build upon the commensurability between traditional Chinese culture and Christian theology, including the theological thoughts of important Christian figures in China, to explore the fulfillment of cultural, national, and social identities. In the practical research of Christianity in China, empirical methodologies are widely applied, centering on the “localization” process and forms of practices taking place in churches of China. The coincidentia oppositorum between universality and particularity dictates that much tension exists with respect to the development of Christianity in China. Focusing on the accommodative process between universality and particularity is important to produce further implications for research to be conducted by China’s Christian universities.
The “Wisdom Writer”, Michael Amaladoss and His Thought
Authors: Beltramini Enrico
Published: May 2021

This paper offers a synthetic introduction to Michael Amaladoss and his thought. Amaladoss is a member of the Society of Jesus and one of the finest Indian theologians; in the course of decades of engagement with themes such as interfaith dialogue, Indian theology, social justice, and secularism, he has greatly contributed to putting Asian theology on the map. In this study, I focus on Amaladoss, his theological style, his main intellectual concern, and his theological context. In a nutshell, Amaladoss’s main contribution to Indian theology is the very possibility of a true Indian Indian theology.
Religious and Pro-Violence Populism in Indonesia: The Rise and Fall of a Far-Right Islamist Civilisationist Movement
Authors: Barton Greg , Yilmaz Ihsan , Morieson Nicholas
Published: May 2021

The first quarter of the twenty-first century has witnessed the rise of populism around the world. While it is widespread it manifests in its own unique ways in each society, nation, and region. Religious populism, once rarely discussed, has come to take a more prominent role in the politics of a diverse range of societies and countries, as religious discourse is increasingly used by mainstream and peripheral populist actors alike. This paper examines the rise of religious populism in Indonesia through a study of the widely talked about, but little understood, Islamic Defenders Front (FPI—Front Pembela Islam). The case study method used to examine the FPI provides a unique insight into a liminal organization which, through populist and pro-violence Islamist discourse and political lobbying, has had an outsized impact on Indonesian politics. In this paper, we identify the FPI as an Islamist civilizationist populist group and show how the group frames Indonesian domestic political events within a larger cosmic battle between faithful and righteous Muslims and the forces that stand against Islam, whether they be “unfaithful Muslims” or non-Muslims. We also show how the case of the FPI demonstrates the manner in which smaller, liminal, political actors can instrumentalise religion and leverage religious rhetoric to reshape political discourse, and in doing so, drive demand for religious populism. The paper makes two arguments: First, the FPI is an example of a civilizationist populist movement which instrumentalises religion in order to create demand for its populist solutions. Second, that as Islamic groups and organisations in Indonesia increasingly rely on religio-civilizational concepts of national identity, they become more transnational in outlook, rhetoric, and organisation and more closely aligned with religious developments in the Middle East.
Litigating the Limits of Religion: Minority and Majority Concerns about Institutional Religious Liberty in India
Authors: Bauman Chad M.
Published: May 2021

Western religious liberty advocates tend to focus on restrictions placed on minority religious communities, particularly when advocating abroad, that is, outside of the country in which they reside. In all contemporary democracies, however, adherents of religious majorities also express concerns about religious liberty. For this reason, the article considers both minority and majority concerns about institutional religious freedom in India. This essay provides an overview of religious freedom issues, with a particular focus on institutions, though, as I acknowledge, it is not always simple to distinguish individual from institutional matters of religious freedom. After describing various minority and majority concerns about institutional religious freedom in India, and demonstrating that many of them are related to the Indian government’s distinctive approach to managing religion and religious institutions, I make the argument that while some cross-cutting issues provide the possibility of interreligious understanding and solidarity in matters of religious liberty advocacy, such solidarity will not emerge without considerable effort because of the fact that debates about religious liberty in India often fundamentally involve debates about the very nature of religion itself, and these debates tend to divide rather than unite India’s majority and minority religious communities.