bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lyme Borreliosis Serology: A Prospective Cohort Study of Forestry Service Workers in the Netherlands over 8 Years (2008 to 2016) of Follow-Up
Authors: ter Hofstede Hadewych , Haex Jeroen , Belias Michael , Oosting Marije , Joosten Leo A. B. , Stelma Foekje F.
Published: May 2023

There is little known about the dynamics within responses to Borrelia spp. upon repeated exposure to tick bites and the development of serological markers over time. Most studies have investigated antibody development in risk populations over a short period of time. Therefore, we aimed to study the dynamics of anti-Borrelia antibodies in forestry service workers over 8 years in association with tick bite exposure. Methods: Blood samples from 106 forestry service workers originally included in the 200 Functional Genomics Project (Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands) were followed for 8 years and tested annually for anti-Borrelia antibodies (ELISA and Western blot). IgG seroconversion was related to the number of tick bites in the previous year, which was obtained through annual questionnaires. The hazard ratio for Borrelia IgG seroconversion was calculated using Cox regression survival analysis and a logistic regression model, both adjusting for age, gender and smoking. Results: Borrelia IgG seropositivity in the study population did not vary significantly between years and the average prevalence was 13.4%. Of the 27 subjects that underwent seroconversion during the study period, 22 reconverted from positive to negative. Eleven subjects seroconverted a second time. The total seroconversion rate per year (negative to positive) was 4.5%. Active smoking was associated with IgG seroconversion in the >5 tick bites group (p < 0.05). According to the two models used, the risks of IgG seroconversion in the >5 tick bites group were HR = 2.93 (p = 0.10) and OR = 3.36 (p < 0.0005). Conclusions: Borrelia IgG seroconversion in forestry service workers was significantly related to increasing tick bite exposure in a survival and logistic regression model adjusting for age, gender and smoking.
UVA/UVB Irradiation Exerts a Distinct Phototoxic Effect on Human Keratinocytes Compared to Human Malignant Melanoma Cells
Authors: Gag Otilia , Dinu Ștefania , Manea Horațiu , Marcovici Iasmina , Pînzaru Iulia , Popovici Ramona , Crăiniceanu Zorin , Gyori Zsolt , Iovănescu Gheorghe , Chiriac Sorin
Published: May 2023

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is responsible for the development of many skin diseases, including malignant melanoma (MM). This study assessed the phototoxic effects of UVA, and UVB radiations on healthy and pathologic skin cells by evaluating the behavior of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and MM cells (A375) at 24 h post-irradiation. The main results showed that UVA 10 J/cm2 exerted no cytotoxicity on HaCaT and A375 cells, while UVB 0.5 J/cm2 significantly reduced cell viability and confluence, induced cell shrinkage and rounding, generated nuclear and F-actin condensation, and induced apoptosis by modulating the expressions of Bax and Bcl-2. The association of UVA 10 J/cm2 with UVB 0.5 J/cm2 (UVA/UVB) induced the highest cytotoxicity in both cell lines (viability < 40%). However, the morphological changes were different—HaCaT cells showed signs of necrosis, while in A375 nuclear polarization and expulsion from the cells were observed, features that indicate enucleation. By unraveling the impact of different UVR treatments on the behavior of normal and cancer skin cells and describing enucleation as a novel process involved in the cytotoxicity of UVA/UVB irradiation, these findings bridge the gap between the current and the future status of research in the field.
High-Precision Optical Coherence Tomography Navigated Laser Retinopexy for Retinal Breaks
Authors: Salzmann Simon , Wakili Philip , Al-Nawaiseh Sami , Považay Boris , Meier Christoph , Burri Christian
Published: May 2023

The prevalent cause of retinal detachment is a full-thickness retinal break and the ingress of fluid into the subretinal space. To prevent progression of the detachment, laser photocoagulation (LPC) lesions are placed around the break in clinical practice to seal the tissue. Unlike the usual application under indirect ophthalmoscopy, we developed a semi-automatic treatment planning software based on a sequence of optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans to perform navigated LPC treatment. The depth information allows demarcation of the border where the neurosensory retina is still attached to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is critical for prevention of detachment progression. To evaluate the method, artificially provoked retinal breaks were treated in seven ex-vivo porcine eyes. Treatment outcome was assessed by fundus photography and OCT imaging. The automatically applied lesions surrounding each detachment (4.4–39.6 mm2) could be identified as highly scattering coagulation regions in color fundus photography and OCT. Between the planned and applied pattern, a mean offset of 68 µm (SD ± 16.5 µm) and a mean lesion spacing error of 5 µm (SD ± 10 µm) was achieved. The results demonstrate the potential of navigated OCT-guided laser retinopexy to improve overall treatment accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
Development of Hallux Valgus Classification Using Digital Foot Images with Machine Learning
Authors: Hida Mitsumasa , Eto Shinji , Wada Chikamune , Kitagawa Kodai , Imaoka Masakazu , Nakamura Misa , Imai Ryota , Kubo Takanari , Inoue Takao , Sakai Keiko , Orui Junya , Tazaki Fumie , Takeda Masatoshi , Hasegawa Ayuna , Yamasaka Kota , Nakao Hidetoshi
Published: May 2023

Hallux valgus, a frequently seen foot deformity, requires early detection to prevent it from becoming more severe. It is a medical economic problem, so a means of quickly distinguishing it would be helpful. We designed and investigated the accuracy of an early version of a tool for screening hallux valgus using machine learning. The tool would ascertain whether patients had hallux valgus by analyzing pictures of their feet. In this study, 507 images of feet were used for machine learning. Image preprocessing was conducted using the comparatively simple pattern A (rescaling, angle adjustment, and trimming) and slightly more complicated pattern B (same, plus vertical flip, binary formatting, and edge emphasis). This study used the VGG16 convolutional neural network. Pattern B machine learning was more accurate than pattern A. In our early model, Pattern A achieved 0.62 for accuracy, 0.56 for precision, 0.94 for recall, and 0.71 for F1 score. As for Pattern B, the scores were 0.79, 0.77, 0.96, and 0.86, respectively. Machine learning was sufficiently accurate to distinguish foot images between feet with hallux valgus and normal feet. With further refinement, this tool could be used for the easy screening of hallux valgus.
Methyl 3,3-Bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-2,2-dimethylpropanoate
Authors: Mollà-Guerola Lara , Baeza Alejandro
Published: May 2023

The synthesis of methyl 3,3-bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-2,2-dimethylpropanoate is achieved by means of the alkylation of methyl isobutyrate silyl enol ether with bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]methanol, facilitated by using 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) as a solvent and reaction promoter. The reaction proceeds smoothly to produce the mentioned compound in a good yield via a metal and additive-free procedure. The corresponding ester is fully characterized.
Plasmonic Functionality of Optical Fiber Tips: Mechanisms, Fabrications, and Applications
Authors: Du Bobo , Xu Yunfan , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: May 2023

Optical fiber tips with the flat end-facets functionalized take the special advantages of easy fabrication, compactness, and ready-integration among the community of optical fiber devices. Combined with plasmonic structures, the fiber tips draw a significant growth of interest addressing diverse functions. This review aims to present and summarize the plasmonic functionality of optical fiber tips with the current state of the art. Firstly, the mechanisms of plasmonic phenomena are introduced in order to illustrate the tip-compatible plasmonic nanostructures. Then, the strategies of plasmonic functionalities on fiber tips are analyzed and compared. Moreover, the classical applications of plasmonic fiber tips are reviewed. Finally, the challenges and prospects for future opportunities are discussed.
Synergistic Effects of 2-Butyne-1,4-Diol and Chloride Ions on the Microstructure and Residual Stress of Electrodeposited Nickel
Authors: Sun Ming , Zhang Chao , Ya Ruhan , He Hongyu , Li Zhipeng , Tian Wenhuai
Published: May 2023

To assess the individual and synergistic effects of 2-butyne-1,4-diol (BD) and chloride ions on the microstructure and residual stress of electrodeposited nickel, various nickel layers were prepared from sulfamate baths comprising varying concentrations of BD and chloride ions by applying direct-current electrodeposition. And their surface morphologies, microstructure, and residual stress were tested using SEM, XRD, EBSD, TEM, and AFM. While the nickel layers composed of pyramid morphology were prepared from additive-free baths, the surface flattened gradually as the BD concentration of the baths was increased, and the acicular grains in the deposits were replaced with <100> oriented columnar grains or <111> oriented nanograins; additionally, the residual tensile stress of the deposits increased. The addition of chloride ions to the baths containing BD significantly increased the residual stress in the nickel layers, although it only slightly promoted surface flattening and columnar grain coarsening. The effects of BD and chloride ions on the growth mode and residual stress of nickel deposits were explained via analysis of surface morphologies and microstructure. And the results indicate that the reduction of chloride ion concentration is a feasible way to reduce the residual stress of the nickel deposits when BD is included in the baths.
Determination of the Effect of Wastewater on the Biological Activity of Mixtures of Fluoxetine and Its Metabolite Norfluoxetine with Nalidixic and Caffeic Acids with Use of E. coli Microbial Bioindicator Strains
Authors: Matejczyk Marzena , Ofman Piotr , Wiater Józefa , Świsłocka Renata , Kondzior Paweł , Lewandowski Włodzimierz
Published: May 2023

In the present work, the conducted research concerned the determination of the toxicity and oxidative stress generation of the antidepressant fluoxetine (FLU), its metabolite nor-fluoxetine (Nor-FLU), the antibiotic nalidixic acid (NA), caffeic acid (CA) and their mixtures in three different environments: microbial medium (MM), raw wastewaters (RW) and treated wastewaters (TW). We evaluated the following parameters: E. coli cell viability, toxicity and protein damage, sodA promoter induction and ROS generation. It was found that FLU, Nor-FLU, NA, CA and their mixtures are toxic and they have the potency to generate oxidative stress in E. coli strains. We also detected that the wastewater, in comparison to the microbial medium, had an influence on the toxic activity and oxidative stress synthesis of the tested chemicals and their mixtures. Regardless of the environment under study, the strongest toxic activity and oxidative stress generation were detected after bacterial incubation with NA at a concentration of 1 mg/dm3 and the mixture of FLU (1 mg/dm3) with Nor-FLU (0.1 mg/dm3) and with NA (0.1 mg/dm3). The ROS synthesis and sodA promoter induction suggest that, in the case of the examined compounds and their mixtures, oxidative stress is the mechanism of toxicity. The analysis of the types of interactions among the substances constituting the mixtures in the wastewater revealed synergism, potentiation and antagonism.
Parameters of Concrete Modified with Micronized Chalcedonite
Authors: Kotwa Anna , Ramiączek Piotr , Bąk-Patyna Paulina , Kowalik Robert
Published: May 2023

The PN-EN 197-1:2012 standard allows the use of additives as the main component above 5.0% by mass, as well as as a secondary component in an amount less than 5.0% by mass of cement. Proper selection of additives positively affects the rheological characteristics and hardened concrete parameters during longer maturity periods. Additives have already become an integral component of concrete mixes. The aim of the research is to confirm the possibility of using the tested additive in the composition of concrete mixes in an amount of 15% relative to the amount of cement, which would solve the problem of storing and utilizing waste generated during the production of broken chalcedonite aggregates. The planned laboratory tests were carried out for concrete of three classes, C30/37, C35/45, C40/50, according to the PN-EN 206+A1:2016-2 standard, with the addition of chalcedonite dust in a constant amount of 15% relative to cement, and three series without additives as control series. The additive used for concrete mixes was chalcedonite dust with a diameter below 72 μm. It is waste from a broken aggregate mine. The research program included rheological tests of fresh concrete mix, i.e., air content, consistency, bulk density, as well as parameters of hardened concrete mix—compressive strength, absorbability, and capillary uptake. Compressive strength was tested after 7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days. The laboratory tests aimed to verify whether the addition of 15% chalcedonite dust additive would not worsen the predicted hardened concrete parameters resulting from the designed concrete classes. All three tested series, C30/37, C35/45, and C40/50, with the addition of 15% chalcedonite dust relative to the amount of cement, achieved the assumed strength classes after 28 days of maturation. Concrete mix components were correctly designed. The addition of chalcedonite dust to the concrete mix did not cause a decrease in compressive strength to the extent that the analyzed series did not meet the normative requirements for concrete classes according to the PN-EN 206+A1:2014 standard. The results of absorbability testing indicate water absorption below 5%, while the increase in sample mass in the capillary uptake test gained similar values.
Sensors Based on Auxetic Materials and Structures: A Review
Authors: Dong Shanshan , Hu Hong
Published: May 2023

Auxetic materials exhibit a negative Poisson’s ratio under tension or compression, and such counter-intuitive behavior leads to enhanced mechanical properties such as shear resistance, impact resistance, and shape adaptability. Auxetic materials with these excellent properties show great potential applications in personal protection, medical health, sensing equipment, and other fields. However, there are still many limitations in them, from laboratory research to real applications. There have been many reported studies applying auxetic materials or structures to the development of sensing devices in anticipation of improving sensitivity. This review mainly focuses on the use of auxetic materials or auxetic structures in sensors, providing a broad review of auxetic-based sensing devices. The material selection, structure design, preparation method, sensing mechanism, and sensing performance are introduced. In addition, we explore the relationship between the auxetic mechanism and the sensing performance and summarize how the auxetic behavior enhances the sensitivity. Furthermore, potential applications of sensors based on the auxetic mechanism are discussed, and the remaining challenges and future research directions are suggested. This review may help to promote further research and application of auxetic sensing devices.
Activated Carbon and Clay Pellets Coated with Hydroxyapatite for Heavy Metal Removal: Characterization, Adsorption, and Regeneration
Authors: Jurgelane Inga , Locs Janis
Published: May 2023

In the present work, activated-carbon-containing pellets were preparedby direct chemical activation of sawdust, using clays as a binder. The obtained pellets (ACC) were coated with hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles (ACC-HAp) to improve adsorption towards Pb(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Ni(II). The pellets were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and with a gas sorptometer. The effect of pH, contact time, and initial concentration on adsorption performance was investigated. Additionally, desorption studies were performed, and the regeneration influence on compressive strength and repeated Pb(II) adsorption was investigated. The results showed that, after coating ACC pellets with HAp nanoparticles, the adsorption capacity increased for all applied heavy metal ions. Pb(II) was adsorbed the most, and the best results were achieved at pH 6. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherm of Pb(II) is better fitted to the Langmuir model, showing the maximum adsorption capacity of 56 and 47 mg/g by ACC-HAp and ACC pellets, respectively. The desorption efficiency of Pb(II)-loaded ACC-HAp pellets increased by lowering the pH of the acid, resulting in the dissolution of the HAp coating. The best desorption results were achieved with HCl at pH 1 and 1.5. Therefore, the regeneration procedure consisted of desorption, rinsing with distilled water, and re-coating with HAp nanoparticles. After the regeneration process, the Pb(II) adsorption was not affected. However, the desorption stage within the regeneration process decreased the compressive strength of the pellets.
Multiscale Fatigue Performance Evaluation of Hydrated Lime and Basalt Fiber Modified Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Diao Hang , Ling Tianqing , Zhang Zhan , Peng Bo , Huang Qiang
Published: May 2023

Long-life pavement construction is an important research direction for sustainable road development. Fatigue cracking of aging asphalt pavement is one of the main reasons that affects its service life, and improving the fatigue resistance of aging asphalt pavement has become a key factor in promoting the development of long-life pavement. In order to enhance the fatigue resistance of aging asphalt pavement, hydrated lime and basalt fiber were selected to prepare a modified asphalt mixture. The resistance to fatigue is evaluated by the four-point bending fatigue test and self-healing compensation test, based on the energy method, the phenomenon-based approach, and other methods. The results of each method of evaluation were also compared and analyzed. The results indicate that the incorporation of hydrated lime can improve the adhesion of the asphalt binder, while the incorporation of basalt fiber can stabilize the internal structure. When incorporated alone, basalt fiber has no noticeable effect, while hydrated lime significantly improves the fatigue performance of the mixture after thermal aging. Mixing both ingredients produced the best improvement effect under various conditions, with a fatigue life improvement of 53%. In the multi-scale evaluation of fatigue performance, it was found that the initial stiffness modulus was unsuitable as a direct evaluation index of fatigue performance. Using the fatigue damage rate or the stable value of dissipated energy change rate as an evaluation index can clearly characterize the fatigue performance of the mixture before and after aging. The self-healing rate and self-healing decay index clearly reflected the fatigue damage healing process under repeated loading and could be used as relevant indices for evaluating the new-scale fatigue performance of asphalt mixtures.
In-Situ Growth of ZnO Whiskers on Ti2ZnC MAX Phases
Authors: Ren Yinan , Tian Zhihua , Zhang Yan , Wu Fushuo , Xie Hao , Zhang Qianqian , Zhang Peigen , Sun Zhengming
Published: May 2023

ZnO whiskers have many applications, such as in medical and photocatalysis fields. In this study, an unconventional preparation approach is reported, realizing the in-situ growth of ZnO whiskers on Ti2ZnC. The weak bonding between the layer of Ti6C-octahedron and the Zn-atom layers leads to the easy extraction of Zn atoms from Ti2ZnC lattice points, resulting in the formation of ZnO whiskers on the Ti2ZnC surface. This is the first time that ZnO whiskers have been found to grow in-situ on Ti2ZnC substrate. Further, this phenomenon is amplified when the size of the Ti2ZnC grains is mechanically reduced by ball-milling, which bodes a promising route to prepare ZnO in-situ on a large scale. Additionally, this finding can also help us better understand the stability of Ti2ZnC and the whiskering mechanism of MAX phases.
Phosphate and Borate-Based Composite Interface of Single-Crystal LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Enables Excellent Electrochemical Stability at High Operation Voltage
Authors: Long Fu , Liu Yuyang , Zhu Guobin , Wang Yan , Zheng Honghe
Published: May 2023

The application of nickel-rich cathodes in lithium-ion batteries has been hampered by its rapid capacity/voltage fading and limited performance of rate. In this work, a passivation technique is used to create a stable composite interface on single-crystal LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) surface, which greatly improves the cycle life-span and high-voltage constancy of cathode with 4.5 and 4.6 V cut-off voltage. The improved Li+ conductivity of the interface enables a firm cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI), which reduces interfacial side reactions, lowers the risk of safety hazards, and improves irreversible phase transitions. As a result, the electrochemical performance of single-crystal Ni-rich cathode are remarkably enhanced. The specific capacity of 152 mAh g−1 can be delivered at a charging/discharging rate of 5 C under 4.5 V cut-off voltage, much higher than 115 mAh g−1 of the pristine NCM811. After 200 cycles at 1 C, the composite interface modified NCM811 demonstrates outstanding capacity retention of 85.4% and 83.8% at 4.5 V and 4.6 V cut-off voltage, respectively.
Design and Finite-Element-Based Optimization for a 12-Slot/10-Pole IPM Motor with Integrated Onboard Battery Charger for Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Abdel-Wahed Ahmed T. , Ullah Zia , Abdel-Khalik Ayman S. , Hamad Mostafa S. , Ahmed Shehab , Elmalhy Noha A.
Published: May 2023

Permanent magnet (PM) machines with fractional slot concentrated windings (FSCW) constitute a notably remarkable proposition for electric vehicles. Additionally, an integrated onboard battery charger (IOBC) provides another superiority as it exploits the components of the powertrain to charge the battery without any additional components. Interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor arises as a credible choice due to its high torque density, resulting from the high saliency ratio. The optimal design of an IPM motor has been extensively presented from different perspectives, but the optimal design of a motor employed for IOBC application for both propulsion and charging modes has not been studied extensively. In this paper, the design and optimization of a 12-slot/10-pole IPM motor with IOBC are studied under both propulsion and charging modes. A finite-element-based optimization with the aid of a genetic algorithm technique is proposed to obtain the optimal machine by maximizing the average torque and minimizing the torque ripple, core losses, and magnet size.
Modeling of the Electronic Structure of Semiconductor Nanoparticles
Authors: Novozhilov Vasily B. , Bodneva Valeria L. , Kurmangaleev Kairat S. , Lidskii Boris V. , Posvyanskii Vladimir S. , Trakhtenberg Leonid I.
Published: May 2023

This paper deals with the mathematical modeling of the electronic structure of semiconductor particles. Mathematically, the task is reduced to a joint solution of the problem of free energy minimization and the set of chemical kinetic equations describing the processes at the surface of a nanoparticle. The numerical modeling of the sensor effect is carried out in two steps. First, the number of charged oxygen atoms on the surface of the nanoparticle NO− is determined. This value is found by solving a system of nonlinear algebraic equations, where the unknowns are the stationary points of this system describing the processes on the surface of a nanoparticle. The specific form of such equations is determined by the type of nanoparticles and the mechanism of chemical reactions on the surface. The second step is to calculate the electron density inside the nanoparticle (nc(r)), which gives the minimum free energy. Mathematically, this second step reduces to solving a boundary value problem for a nonlinear integro-differential equation. The calculation results are compared with experimental data on the sensor effect.
Improving Mechanical Oscillator Cooling in a Double-Coupled Cavity Optomechanical System with an Optical Parametric Amplifier
Authors: Pan Peipei , Chen Aixi , Deng Li
Published: May 2023

We investigate the cooling phenomenon of a mechanical oscillator in a double-coupled cavity optomechanical system. Our model includes two single-mode optical cavities. The left cavity is an optomechanical system with an optical parametric amplifier, and the right cavity is a standard optical cavity. The two optical cavities couple with each other by exchanging photons. The optomechanical system is effectively driven by an input laser field. By solving the linear quantum Langevin equation of the system under a steady-state condition, we can obtain the position fluctuation spectrum and momentum fluctuation spectrum of the mechanical oscillator, and then, the expression of its effective temperature is obtained. Through numerical analysis, we find the change in the effective temperature of the mechanical oscillator under different physical parameters. The results show that the cooling of the mechanical oscillator can be significantly improved in the presence of optical parameter amplification and adjustment of optical cavity parameters. Our cooling solutions have potential applications for the preparation of nonclassical states of mechanical oscillators, high-precision measurements, and quantum information processing.
Theonella: A Treasure Trove of Structurally Unique and Biologically Active Sterols
Authors: Festa Carmen , De Marino Simona , Zampella Angela , Fiorucci Stefano
Published: May 2023

The marine environment is considered a vast source in the discovery of structurally unique bioactive secondary metabolites. Among marine invertebrates, the sponge Theonella spp. represents an arsenal of novel compounds ranging from peptides, alkaloids, terpenes, macrolides, and sterols. In this review, we summarize the recent reports on sterols isolated from this amazing sponge, describing their structural features and peculiar biological activities. We also discuss the total syntheses of solomonsterols A and B and the medicinal chemistry modifications on theonellasterol and conicasterol, focusing on the effect of chemical transformations on the biological activity of this class of metabolites. The promising compounds identified from Theonella spp. possess pronounced biological activity on nuclear receptors or cytotoxicity and result in promising candidates for extended preclinical evaluations. The identification of naturally occurring and semisynthetic marine bioactive sterols reaffirms the utility of examining natural product libraries for the discovery of new therapeutical approach to human diseases.
Finned Tubular Air Gap Membrane Distillation
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Guo Fei
Published: May 2023

Finned tubular air gap membrane distillation is a new membrane distillation method, and its functional performance, characterization parameters, finned tube structures, and other studies have clear academic and practical application value. Therefore, the tubular air gap membrane distillation experiment modules composed of PTFE membrane and finned tubes were constructed in this work, and three representative air gap structures, including tapered finned tube, flat finned tube, and expanded finned tube, were designed. Membrane distillation experiments were carried out in the form of water cooling and air cooling, and the influences of air gap structures, temperature, concentration, and flow rate on the transmembrane flux were analyzed. The good water-treatment ability of the finned tubular air gap membrane distillation model and the applicability of air cooling for the finned tubular air gap membrane distillation structure were verified. The membrane distillation test results show that with the tapered finned tubular air gap structure, the finned tubular air gap membrane distillation has the best performance. The maximum transmembrane flux of the finned tubular air gap membrane distillation could reach 16.3 kg/m2/h. Strengthening the convection heat transfer between air and fin tube could increase the transmembrane flux and improve the efficiency coefficient. The efficiency coefficient (σ) could reach 0.19 under the condition of air cooling. Compared with the conventional air gap membrane distillation configuration, air cooling configuration for air gap membrane distillation is an effective way to simplify the system design and offers a potential way for the practical applications of membrane distillation on an industrial scale.
The Corrosion Behaviour of Additively Manufactured AlSi10Mg Parts Compared to Traditional Al Alloys
Authors: Gatto Andrea , Cappelletti Camilla , Defanti Silvio , Fabbri Fabrizio
Published: May 2023

Additive manufacturing of metal parts in the motorsport industry is becoming a decisive technology for producing lightweight and rigid parts, with increasing applications as the costs decrease. Among the available metal alloys, AlSi10Mg is one of the most widely used. In this paper, the corrosion resistance of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg is compared with that of other traditionally manufactured aluminium alloys widespread in the automotive industry. Several potentially corrosive agents, typical of vehicle applications, were used: salty water, motor oil, suspension oil, cooling fluid and gasoline. Corrosion tests were conducted at both room temperature and 90 °C. The effects of heat and surface treatments were evaluated separately. The samples were visually inspected and weighed to evaluate the corrosion rate with the aid of SEM and EDS analysis. Additively manufactured AlSi10Mg generally showed better corrosion resistance in the stress-relieved condition as compared to the T6-treated state, with slightly better results for the polished samples. Motor oil, suspension oil, cooling fluid and gasoline did not significantly corrode the specimens, except for the T6-treated AlSi10Mg samples at 90 °C. However, the corrosion rate was always higher than traditionally manufactured aluminium alloys tested for comparison.
Study on Wear Resistance Evolution of Cold-Rolled Strip Flatness Meter Surface-Strengthened Layer
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Liao Shuang , Li Shan , Zhang Tongyuan , Yu Huaxin , Liu Hongmin
Published: May 2023

Seamless flatness rollers are the core equipment for cold-rolled strip flatness detection. The change in wear resistance of the roller surface-strengthened layer has important guiding significance for the prediction of the roller surface life. The experimental results of the five rounds of friction and wear testing show that the volume–wear rate of the original roller surface is only 1.85 × 10−6 mm3 (N·M)−1. After the first grinding, the wear resistance of the roller surface decreased and the wear rate was approximately 2.76 × 10−6 mm3 (N·M)−1. After the second grinding, the wear morphology, wear rate and wear resistance of the samples in each round showed little difference. The average wear rate in the last three rounds of the test is 3.56 × 10−6 mm3 (N·M)−1 and the wear resistance is significantly lower than that of the previous two rounds of the test. The calculation shows that the original surface wear resistance is 32.92% higher than that of the surface after the first grinding, and the average wear resistance of the surface after the first grinding is 22.59% higher than that of the surface after the second, third and fourth grinding. With long-term use and repeated grinding repair, the roller surface will show a trend of wear resistance decline. When the wear resistance decreases to a certain degree, it will reach a stage of stability. These phenomena provide regular and quantitative references for the study of the life prediction of flatness meter rollers.
Effects of Beam Shape on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties during Thin-Foil Laser Welding
Authors: Song Danbi , Kim Ryoonhan , Choi Kwangdeok , Shin Dongsig , Lee Sujin
Published: May 2023

In this study, a fiber laser at a wavelength of 1070 nm with different beam shapes (spot, dough-nut, and spot-wobble) was used to weld thin 316 L stainless steel foils. The welding speed was varied from 400 to 1000 mm/s in the absence of shielding gas. The weld geometry, microstructure, lap shear strength, and crystallographic grain structure of the micro-joints were analyzed and correlated with the beam shape and welding speed. The results indicate that the laser beam shape significantly affected the weld width and penetration depth, and the best welding speed was 500 mm/s. This study proved for the first time that a spot-wobble laser beam could achieve better mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics than a doughnut beam during the high-power laser welding of thin-foil stainless steel plates.
Acoustic Streaming Efficiency in a Microfluidic Biosensor with an Integrated CMUT
Authors: Pelenis Donatas , Vanagas Gailius , Barauskas Dovydas , Dzikaras Mindaugas , Mikolajūnas Marius , Viržonis Darius
Published: May 2023

The effect of microchannel height on acoustic streaming velocity and capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) cell damping was investigated. Microchannels with heights ranging from 0.15 to 1.75 mm were used in experiments, and computational microchannel models with heights varying from 10 to 1800 micrometers were simulated. Both simulated and measured data show local minima and maxima of acoustic streaming efficiency associated with the wavelength of the `bulk acoustic wave excited at 5 MHz frequency. Local minima occur at microchannel heights that are multiples of half the wavelength (150 μm), which are caused by destructive interference between excited and reflected acoustic waves. Therefore, microchannel heights that are not multiples of 150 μm are more favorable for higher acoustic streaming effectiveness since destructive interference decreases the acoustic streaming effectiveness by more than 4 times. On average, the experimental data show slightly higher velocities for smaller microchannels than the simulated data, but the overall observation of higher streaming velocities in larger microchannels is not altered. In additional simulation, at small microchannel heights (10–350 μm), local minima at microchannel heights that are multiples of 150 μm were observed, indicating the interference between excited and reflected waves and causing acoustic damping of comparatively compliant CMUT membranes. Increasing the microchannel height to over 100 μm tends to eliminate the acoustic damping effect as the local minima of the CMUT membrane swing amplitude approach the maximum value of 42 nm, which is the calculated amplitude of the freely swinging membrane under the described conditions. At optimum conditions, an acoustic streaming velocity of over 2 mm/s in a 1.8 mm-high microchannel was achieved.
Impact of Ascorbic Acid on Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticle and UV-B Mediated Stress in the Cyanobacterium, Fremyella diplosiphon
Authors: Wyatt LaDonna , Gichuki Samson , Yalcin Yavuz S. , Sitther Viji
Published: May 2023

Fremyella diplosiphon is an ideal third-generation biofuel source due to its ability to produce transesterified lipids. While nanofer 25s zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVIs) improve lipid production, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular defense can be catastrophic to the organism. In the present study, the effect of ascorbic acid on nZVI and UV-induced stress in F. diplosiphon strain B481-SD was investigated, and lipid profiles in the combination regimen of nZVIs and ascorbic acid compared. Comparison of F. diplosiphon growth in BG11 media amended with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mM ascorbic acid indicated 6 mM to be optimal for the growth of B481-SD. Further, growth in 6 mM ascorbic acid combined with 3.2 mg/L nZVIs was significantly higher when compared to the combination regimen of 12.8 and 51.2 mg/L of nZVIs and 6 mM ascorbic acid. The reversal effect of UV-B radiation for 30 min and 1 h indicated that ascorbic acid restored B481-SD growth. Transesterified lipids characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry indicated C16 hexadecanoate to be the most abundant fatty acid methyl ester in the combination regimen of 6 mM ascorbic acid and 12.8 mg/L nZVI-treated F. diplosiphon. These findings were supported by microscopic observations in which cellular degradation was observed in B481-SD cells treated with 6 mM ascorbic acid and 12.8 mg/L nZVIs. Our results indicate that ascorbic acid counteracts the damaging effect of oxidative stress produced by nZVIs.
Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Monolayer InSe Calculated by Machine Learning Potential
Authors: Han Jinsen , Zeng Qiyu , Chen Ke , Yu Xiaoxiang , Dai Jiayu
Published: May 2023

The two-dimensional post-transition-metal chalcogenides, particularly indium selenide (InSe), exhibit salient carrier transport properties and evince extensive interest for broad applications. A comprehensive understanding of thermal transport is indispensable for thermal management. However, theoretical predictions on thermal transport in the InSe system are found in disagreement with experimental measurements. In this work, we utilize both the Green–Kubo approach with deep potential (GK-DP), together with the phonon Boltzmann transport equation with density functional theory (BTE-DFT) to investigate the thermal conductivity (κ) of InSe monolayer. The κ calculated by GK-DP is 9.52 W/mK at 300 K, which is in good agreement with the experimental value, while the κ predicted by BTE-DFT is 13.08 W/mK. After analyzing the scattering phase space and cumulative κ by mode-decomposed method, we found that, due to the large energy gap between lower and upper optical branches, the exclusion of four-phonon scattering in BTE-DFT underestimates the scattering phase space of lower optical branches due to large group velocities, and thus would overestimate their contribution to κ. The temperature dependence of κ calculated by GK-DP also demonstrates the effect of higher-order phonon scattering, especially at high temperatures. Our results emphasize the significant role of four-phonon scattering in InSe monolayer, suggesting that combining molecular dynamics with machine learning potential is an accurate and efficient approach to predict thermal transport.
Halloysite-TiO2 Nanocomposites for Water Treatment: A Review
Authors: Abid Mahmoud , Ben Haj Amara Abdesslem , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: May 2023

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are clay minerals with a tubular structure that can be used for many different applications in place of carbon nanotubes. Indeed, HNTs display low/non-toxicity, are biocompatible, and can be easily prepared. Moreover, the aluminum and silica groups present on HNTs’ inner and outer surfaces facilitate the interaction with various functional agents, such as alkalis, organosilanes, polymers, surfactants, and nanomaterials. This allows the deposition of different materials, for instance, metal and non-metal oxides, on different substrate types. This review article first briefly presents HNTs’ general structure and the various applications described in the last 20 years (e.g., drug delivery, medical implants, and energy storage). Then, it discusses in detail HNT applications for water purification (inorganic and organic pollutants). It focuses particularly on HNT-TiO2 composites that are considered very promising photocatalysts due to their high specific surface area and adsorption capacity, large pore volume, good stability, and mechanical features.
Improving the Detectability of Microplastics in River Waters by Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Trujillo Celia , Pérez-Arantegui Josefina , Lobinski Ryszard , Laborda Francisco
Published: May 2023

Detection of microplastics in environmental samples requires fast, sensitive and selective analytical techniques, both in terms of the size of the microparticles and their concentration. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) allows the detection of plastic particles down to ca. 1 µm and down to concentrations of 100 particles per mL. In SP-ICP-MS, detection of carbon-containing particles is hampered by the presence of other forms of carbon (carbonates, organic matter, microorganisms…). An acidic pre-treatment of river water samples with 10% (v/v) nitric acid for 24 h allowed the reduction of the presence of dissolved carbon to ultrapure water levels and the digestion of potential microorganisms in the samples, recovering polystyrene microparticles up to 80%. Carbon-containing particles were detected in most of the samples analysed from Spanish and French Pyrenean rivers. The presence of microplastics in these samples was confirmed by Raman microscopy and their morphology was defined by electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The developed SP-ICP-MS method is suitable for the rapid screening of river waters for the presence of microplastics, which can then be analysed by inherently slower but more selective techniques (e.g., Raman microscopy).
6-Shogaol, an Active Component of Ginger, Inhibits p300 Histone Acetyltransferase Activity and Attenuates the Development of Pressure-Overload-Induced Heart Failure
Authors: Kawase Yuto , Sunagawa Yoichi , Shimizu Kana , Funamoto Masafumi , Hamabe-Horiike Toshihide , Katanasaka Yasufumi , Shimizu Satoshi , Hawke Philip , Mori Kiyoshi , Komiyama Maki , Hasegawa Koji , Morimoto Tatsuya
Published: May 2023

Hypertrophic stress-induced cardiac remodeling is a compensatory mechanism associated with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. Continuation of this response eventually leads to heart failure. The histone acetyltransferase p300 plays an important role in the development of heart failure, and may be a target for heart failure therapy. The phenolic phytochemical 6-shogaol, a pungent component of raw ginger, has various bioactive effects; however, its effect on cardiovascular diseases has not been investigated. One micromolar of 6-shogaol suppressed phenylephrine (PE)-induced increases in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in rat primary cultured cardiomyocytes. In rat primary cultured cardiac fibroblasts, 6-shogaol suppressed transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-induced increases in L-proline incorporation. It also blocked PE- and TGF-β-induced increases in histone H3K9 acetylation in the same cells and in vitro. An in vitro p300-HAT assay revealed that 6-shogaol suppressed histone acetylation. The mice underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery, and were administered 0.2 or 1 mg/kg of 6-shogaol daily for 8 weeks. 6-shogaol prevented TAC-induced systolic dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, it also significantly inhibited TAC-induced increases in histone H3K9 acetylation. These results suggest that 6-shogaol may ameliorate heart failure through a variety of mechanisms, including the inhibition of p300-HAT activity.
Associations between Dietary Patterns, Anthropometric and Cardiometabolic Indices and the Number of MetS Components in Polish Adults with Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Białkowska Agnieszka , Górnicka Magdalena , Zielinska-Pukos Monika A. , Hamulka Jadwiga
Published: May 2023

Diet-therapy of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is of great importance due to significant health and social consequences. The aim of this study was (1) to determine dietary patterns (DPs), and (2) to search for associations between defined DPs, anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices, and the number of MetS components in Polish adults with metabolic disorders. The study was designed as a cross-sectional. The study group was 276 adults. Data about the frequency of consumption of selected food groups were collected. Anthropometric measurements: body height (H), body weight (BW), waist (WC), and hip (HC), as well as body composition, were taken. Blood samples were obtained for measurements of glucose and lipids. The obtained biochemical and anthropometric parameters were used to calculate the anthropometric and metabolic dysfunction indices. Three dietary patterns were identified in our study group: Western, Prudent and Low Food. Results of logistic regression analysis indicated rare consumption of fish as a predictor of risk of more severe forms of MetS. The possibility of using body roundness index (BRI) for fast diagnosis of cardiometabolic risk was found. In the management of MetS, the development of strategies to reduce the risk of more severe forms of MetS should be focused on increasing fish consumption and other prohealthy food.
The Adapted POM Analysis of Avenanthramides In Silico
Authors: Maliar Tibor , Maliarová Mária , Purdešová Andrea , Jankech Timotej , Gerhardtová Ivana , Beňovič Patrik , Dvořáček Václav , Jágr Michal , Viskupičová Jana
Published: May 2023

POM analysis and related approaches are significant tools based on calculating various physico-chemical properties and predicting biological activity, ADME parameters, and toxicity of a molecule. These methods are used to evaluate a molecule’s potential to become a drug candidate. Avenanthramides (AVNs) are promising secondary metabolites specific to Avena spp. (oat). They comprise the amides of anthranilic acid linked to various polyphenolic acids with or without post-condensation molecule transformation. These natural compounds have been reported to exert numerous biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiatherogenic, and antiproliferative properties. To date, almost 50 various AVNs have been identified. We performed a modified POM analysis of 42 AVNs using MOLINSPIRATION, SWISSADME, and OSIRIS software. The evaluation of primary in silico parameters revealed significant differences among individual AVNs, highlighting the most promising candidates. These preliminary results may help coordinate and initiate other research projects focused on particular AVNs, especially those with predicted bioactivity, low toxicity, optimal ADME parameters, and promising perspectives.
Temperature Self-Adaptive Ultra-Thin Solar Absorber Based on Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Xin , Chen Yutai , Zhang Zhaojian , Yu Yang , He Xin , Chen Huan , Yang Junbo , Zhang Zhenfu , Yao Xiaopeng
Published: May 2023

In solar applications, the solar absorber is paramount to converting solar radiation to heat energy. We systematically examined the relationship between the efficiency of the solar absorber and operating temperature and other factors. By combining inverse designs with surface plasmonic and Fabry-Perot cavity solar absorption theories, we have developed several solar absorber devices with excellent performance at different temperatures. One of these devices displays a solar spectral absorption of 95.6%, an ultra-low emission rate of 5.7%, and optical-to-thermal conversion efficiency exceeding 90%, all within an ultra-thin depth of 0.45 μm under working temperatures of 600 K. The device has the potential to surpass the Shockley-Queisser limit (S-Q limit) in solar power generation systems. Our method is adaptable, enabling the design of optimal-performance devices to the greatest extent possible. The design was optimized using modern optimization algorithms to meet complex conditions and offers new insights for further study of the conversion from solar to thermal energy and the advancement of solar energy applications.