bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedent Soil Moisture Conditions Influenced Vertical Dust Flux: A Case Study in Iran Using WRF-Chem Model
Authors: Soleimani Sardoo Farshad , Mesbahzadeh Tayyebeh , Salajeghe Ali , Zehtabian Gholamreza , Ranjbar Abbas , Miglietta Mario Marcello , Krakauer Nir
Published: May 2022

Soil moisture is one of the most important parameters affecting dust emission flux. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of soil moisture on vertical dust flux in the central plateau region of Iran. In this study, the WRF-Chem (Weather Research and Forecast with Chemistry) model, with the GOCART (Global Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport) scheme, was used to estimate the dust emission flux during a major storm from 19 to 21 July 2015, and to discriminate between dust sources. The results showed that the Kyrgyz deserts in Turkmenistan, the Arabian deserts in Saudi Arabia, the deserts of Iraq, and the Helmand region in Afghanistan are sources of foreign dust. Additionally, the central desert plain was identified as an internal dust source, where the dust level reached 7000 µg m−2 s−1. The results of WRF-Chem simulation were verified with reanalysis data from MERRA2 and AERONET data from Natanz station, which showed good agreement with the simulation. Based on the GLDAS reanalysis, soil moisture content varied between 2.6% and 34%. Linear and nonlinear regression of vertical dust flux values and soil moisture showed nonlinear behavior following the exponential function, with a correlation coefficient of 0.8 and a strong negative association between soil moisture and vertical dust flux.
Statistical Quantification of the Effects of Marker Misplacement and Soft-Tissue Artifact on Shoulder Kinematics and Kinetics
Authors: Lavaill Maxence , Martelli Saulo , Kerr Graham K. , Pivonka Peter
Published: May 2022

The assessment of shoulder kinematics and kinetics are commonly undertaken biomechanically and clinically by using rigid-body models and experimental skin-marker trajectories. However, the accuracy of these trajectories is plagued by inherent skin-based marker errors due to marker misplacements (offset) and soft-tissue artifacts (STA). This paper aimed to assess the individual contribution of each of these errors to kinematic and kinetic shoulder outcomes computed using a shoulder rigid-body model. Baseline experimental data of three shoulder planar motions in a young healthy adult were collected. The baseline marker trajectories were then perturbed by simulating typically observed population-based offset and/or STA using a probabilistic Monte-Carlo approach. The perturbed trajectories were then used together with a shoulder rigid-body model to compute shoulder angles and moments and study their accuracy and variability against baseline. Each type of error was studied individually, as well as in combination. On average, shoulder kinematics varied by 3%, 6% and 7% due to offset, STA or combined errors, respectively. Shoulder kinetics varied by 11%, 27% and 28% due to offset, STA or combined errors, respectively. In conclusion, to reduce shoulder kinematic and kinetic errors, one should prioritise reducing STA as they have the largest error contribution compared to marker misplacements.
Bacterial Utilisation of Aliphatic Organics: Is the Dwarf Planet Ceres Habitable?
Authors: Jayasinghe Sahan , Kennedy Fraser , McMinn Andrew , Martin Andrew
Published: May 2022

The regolith environment and associated organic material on Ceres is analogous to environments that existed on Earth 3–4 billion years ago. This has implications not only for abiogenesis and the theory of transpermia, but it provides context for developing a framework to contrast the limits of Earth’s biosphere with extraterrestrial environments of interest. In this study, substrate utilisation by the ice-associated bacterium Colwellia hornerae was examined with respect to three aliphatic organic hydrocarbons that may be present on Ceres: dodecane, isobutyronitrile, and dioctyl-sulphide. Following inoculation into a phyllosilicate regolith spiked with a hydrocarbon (1% or 20% organic concentration wt%), cell density, electron transport activity, oxygen consumption, and the production of ATP, NADPH, and protein in C. hornerae was monitored for a period of 32 days. Microbial growth kinetics were correlated with changes in bioavailable carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur. We provide compelling evidence that C. hornerae can survive and grow by utilising isobutyronitrile and, in particular, dodecane. Cellular growth, electron transport activity, and oxygen consumption increased significantly in dodecane at 20 wt% compared to only minor growth at 1 wt%. Importantly, the reduction in total carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur observed at 20 wt% is attributed to biotic, rather than abiotic, processes. This study illustrates that short-term bacterial incubation studies using exotic substrates provide a useful indicator of habitability. We suggest that replicating the regolith environment of Ceres warrants further study and that this dwarf planet could be a valid target for future exploratory missions.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Impact on Predicting Outcomes in Patients with Acute Limb Ischemia
Authors: Arbănași Emil Marian , Mureșan Adrian Vasile , Coșarcă Cătălin Mircea , Kaller Réka , Bud Theodor Ioan , Hosu Ioan , Voidăzan Septimiu Toader , Arbănași Eliza Mihaela , Russu Eliza
Published: May 2022

Acute Limb Ischemia (ALI) of the lower limb is defined as a sudden drop in arterial limb perfusion, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention with high amputation and mortality rates in the absence of revascularization. This observational, analytical, and retrospective cohort study with longitudinal follow-up aimed to confirm the relevance of the preoperative inflammatory biomarkers neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting the 30-day poor prognosis of patients with Rutherford classification (RC) grades II and III ALI. The ROC analysis found a strong association of an NLR > 4.33 with all studied outcomes, while a PLR > 143.34 was associated with all studied outcomes, except the composite endpoint in all RC stages. Depending on the optimal cut-off value, the ROC analysis found a higher incidence of all adverse outcomes in all high NLR (>4.33) and high PLR (>143.34) groups. A multivariate analysis showed that a high baseline value for NLR and PLR was an independent predictor of amputation (OR:11.09; 95% CI: 5.48–22.42; p < 0.0001; and OR:8.97; 95% CI: 4.44–18.16; p < 0.0001), mortality (OR:22.24; 95% CI: 9.61–51.47; p < 0.0001; and OR:8.32; 95% CI: 3.90–17.73; p < 0.0001), and composite endpoint (OR:21.93; 95% CI: 7.91–60.79; p < 0.0001; and OR:9.98; 95% CI: 3.89–25.55; p < 0.0001), respectively. Furthermore, for all hospitalized patients, the RC grade III (OR:7.33; 95% CI: 3.73–14.26; p < 0.0001) was an independent predictor of amputation (OR:7.33; 95% CI: 3.73–14.26; p < 0.0001), mortality (OR:8.40; 95% CI: 4.08–17.31; p < 0.0001), and composite endpoint (OR: 10.70; 95% CI: 4.48–25.56; p < 0.0001), respectively. The NLR and PLR are excellent predictors of risks associated with ALI for primary and secondary prevention. Our study showed that increased pre-operative values for NLR and PLR are indicators of a poor outcome in patients with RC grades II and III ALI.
Hemostatic Biomarkers and Volumetry Help to Identify High-Risk Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Fernandez-Alonso Sebastian , Martinez-Aguilar Esther , Ravassa Susana , Orbe Josune , Paramo Jose A. , Fernandez-Alonso Leopoldo , Roncal Carmen
Published: May 2022

Predicting the progression of small aneurysms is a main challenge in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) management. The combination of circulating biomarkers and image techniques might provide an alternative for risk stratification. We evaluated the association of plasma TAT complexes (TAT) and D-dimer with AAA severity in 3 groups of patients: group 1, without AAA (n = 52), group 2, AAA 40–50 mm (n = 51) and group 3, AAA > 50 mm (n = 50). TAT (p < 0.001) and D-dimer (p < 0.001) were increased in patients with AAA (groups 2 and 3) vs. group 1. To assess the association between baseline TAT and D-dimer concentrations, and AAA growth, aortic diameter and volume (volumetry) were measured by computed tomography angiography (CTA) in group 2 at recruitment (baseline) and 1-year after inclusion. Baseline D-dimer and TAT levels were associated with AAA diameter and volume variations at 1-year independently of confounding factors (p ≤ 0.044). Additionally, surgery incidence, recorded during a 4-year follow-up in group 2, was associated with larger aneurysms, assessed by aortic diameter and volumetry (p ≤ 0.036), and with elevated TAT levels (sub-hazard ratio 1.3, p ≤ 0.029), while no association was found for D-dimer. The combination of hemostatic parameters and image techniques might provide valuable tools to evaluate AAA growth and worse evolution.
Ecdysteroids as Potent Enzyme Inhibitors and Verification of Their Activity Using In Vitro and In Silico Docking Studies
Authors: Mamadalieva Nilufar Z. , Hussain Hidayat , Mollica Adriano , Zengin Gokhan , Mamadalieva Rano Z. , Elhady Sameh S. , Fadil Sana A. , Ashour Mohamed L. , Youssef Fadia S.
Published: May 2022

Ecdysteroids represent arthropods’ steroidal hormones, and they exist in about 5–6% of plant species. In this study, the enzyme inhibitory activity of 20 ecdysteroids was assessed for the first time via determining their inhibition versus acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, as well as α-amylase enzymes. Furthermore, 20-Hydroxyecdysone-2,3,22-tri-O-acetate (4) showed the highest inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase with values of 5.56 and 4.76 mg GALAE/g, respectively. All ecdysteroids displayed tyrosinase inhibitory effects, whereas the most potent was viticosterone E (7) with 78.88 mg KAE/g. Most ecdysteroids had similar amylase inhibitory properties; meanwhile, the best α-amylase inhibitory potential was observed with viticosterone E-diacetonide (18) (0.35 mmol ACAE/g). Most of the tested compounds showed tyrosinase inhibitory potential; therefore, they were exposed to molecular docking evaluation using the tyrosinase enzyme. Viticosterone E (7) showed the best ranking score with a docking score of −5.716 Kcal/mol and made three separate H-bonds with Gly281, Asn81, and His85. From ADMET /TOPKAT in silico evaluation, it was obvious that most of the compounds displayed reasonable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties; however, their toxicity should be carefully monitored by adjusting their doses while investigating their activity after incorporation into dosage forms. Principal component analysis (PCA) based upon the in vitro and in silico data was carried out to visualize the differences between the tested compounds better. PCA score plot successfully classifies the compounds into four main clusters that, in turn, reflects the similarities and differences among the clustered compounds with respect to their biological, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties that are mainly influenced by the similarity in the chemical structure. Thus, ecdysteroids can act as effective drug entities for alleviating several disorders owing to their enzyme inhibitory potential.
Effect of Structure and Hydrogen on the Short-Term Creep of Titanium Ti-2.9Al-4.5V-4.8Mo Alloy
Authors: Grabovetskaya Galina , Mishin Ivan , Stepanova Ekaterina , Zabudchenko Olga
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the effect of hydrogenation, in the amount of 0.15 wt.%, on the short-term creep of a titanium Ti-2.9Al-4.5V-4.8Mo alloy in fine-grained (FG) and ultrafine-grained (UFG) states is studied at 723 K. The UFG structure was formed by the method of pressing with the change of the deformation axis and gradual temperature decrease. Creep tests are performed under conditions of uniaxial tension at a constant load for the creep rates at an interval of (10−7 ÷ 10−6) s−1. The UFG alloy’s resistance to creep under the investigated conditions is revealed to be substantially lower than in the FG state. When hydrogen presents in the alloy in a solid solution, a 1.3–2.5-fold rise in the value of the steady-state creep rate for the hydrogenated FG and UFG alloys is observed. The creep of the non-hydrogenated FG and UFG alloys is described by the creep power law. The presence of dissolved hydrogen leads to a violation of the creep power law. The values of stress sensitivity indices, steady-state creep rate, and effective creep activation energy are determined. The relationships between the hydrogenation, structure, and creep mechanisms of the alloy at the steady-state are discussed.
Improving Gamma Ray Shielding Behaviors of Polypropylene Using PbO Nanoparticles: An Experimental Study
Authors: El-Khatib Ahmed M. , Shalaby Thanaa I. , Antar Ali , Elsafi Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Recently, polymers have entered into many medical and industrial applications. This work aimed to intensively study polypropylene samples (PP) embedded with micro and nanoparticles of PbO for their application in radiation shielding. Samples were prepared by adding 10%, 30%, and 50% by weight of PbO microparticles (mPbO) and adding 10% and 50% PbO nanoparticles (nPbO), in addition to the control sample (pure polypropylene). The morphology of the prepared samples was tested; on the other hand, the shielding efficiency of gamma rays was tested for different sources with different energies. The experimental linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) was determined using a NaI scintillation detector, the experimental results were compared with NIST-XCOM results, and a good agreement was noticed. The LAC was 0.8005 cm−1 for PP-10%nPbO and 0.6283 cm−1 for PP-10%mPbO while was 5.8793 cm−1 for PP-50%nPbO and 3.9268 cm−1 for PP-50%mPbO at 0.060 MeV. The LAC values have been converted to some specific values, such as half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), tenth value layer (TVL), and radiation protection efficiency (RPE) which are useful for discussing the shielding capabilities for gamma-rays. The results of shielding parameters reveal that the PP embedded with nPbO gives better attenuation than its counterpart pp embedded with mPbO at all studied energies.
Ceramic Nanofiber Materials for Wound Healing and Bone Regeneration: A Brief Review
Authors: dos Santos Gomes Déborah , de Sousa Victor Rayssa , de Sousa Bianca Viana , de Araújo Neves Gelmires , de Lima Santana Lisiane Navarro , Menezes Romualdo Rodrigues
Published: May 2022

Ceramic nanofibers have been shown to be a new horizon of research in the biomedical area, due to their differentiated morphology, nanoroughness, nanotopography, wettability, bioactivity, and chemical functionalization properties. Therefore, considering the impact caused by the use of these nanofibers, and the fact that there are still limited data available in the literature addressing the ceramic nanofiber application in regenerative medicine, this review article aims to gather the state-of-the-art research concerning these materials, for potential use as a biomaterial for wound healing and bone regeneration, and to analyze their characteristics when considering their application.
ORMOSIL Coatings Enriched with CeO2 (5-ATDT)-Ceramic Nanocontainers for Enhanced Protection of HDG Steel Used in Concrete
Authors: Kordas George
Published: May 2022

This paper reports developing an innovative method of anticorrosion protection based on organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) enriched with CeO2 ceramic nanocontainers loaded with 5-amino-1, 3, 4-thiadiazole-2-thiol (5-ATDT) on hot-dip galvanized zinc (HDG) steel used to strengthen cement in concrete. The chemistry of ORMOSIL coatings and the production of CeO2 ceramic nanocontainers are described in detail for reproduction by other researchers. The anticorrosion properties of these novel coatings were investigated through frequency response analysis (FRA). As a result, the coatings HDG-ORMOSIL + CeO2 (5-ATDT) were better than the samples of HDG steel, HDG-ORMOSIL, and HDG-ORMOSIL + CeO2 (EMPTY) by a factor of 1033.60, 109.21, and 7.76 in terms of anticorrosion protection, respectively.
Investigating Iron Alloy Phase Changes Using High Temperature In Situ SEM Techniques
Authors: Heard Rhiannon , Siviour Clive R. , Dragnevski Kalin
Published: May 2022

This research utilises a novel heat stage combined with a Zeiss scanning electron microscope to investigate phase changes in iron alloys at temperatures up to 800 ℃ using SE and EBSD imaging. Carbon steel samples with starting structures of ferrite/pearlite were transformed into austenite using the commercial heat treatment process whilst imaging within the SEM. This process facilitates capturing both grain and phase transformation in real time allowing better insight into the microstructural evolution and overall phase change kinetics of this heat treatment. The technique for imaging uses a combination of localised EBSD high temperature imaging combined with the development of high temperature thermal-etching SE imaging technique. The SE thermal etching technique, as verified by EBSD images, enables tracking of a statistically significant number of grains (>100) and identification of individual phases. As well as being applied to carbon steel as shown here, the technique is part of a larger study on high temperature in situ SEM techniques and could be applied to a variety of alloys to study complex phase transformations.
The Effect of Periodic Loading of Glued Laminated Beams on Their Static Bending Strength
Authors: Dziurka Dorota , Derkowski Adam , Dukarska Dorota , Kawalerczyk Jakub , Mirski Radosław
Published: May 2022

Engineered wood products (EWP) such as glulam beams are gaining more and more popularity due to several advantages resulting from the wood itself, as well as the constant search for structural materials of natural origin. However, building materials face some requirements regarding their strength. Thus, the study aimed to assess the static bending strength of structural beams produced with the use of pine wood, after the periodic loading of approximately 80 kN for a year. The manufactured beams differed in the type of facing layers, i.e., pine timber with a high modulus of elasticity and plywood. The produced beams, regardless of their structure, are characterized by a similar static bending strength. Moreover, it has been shown that the loading of beams in the range of about 45% of their immediate capacity does not significantly affect their static bending strength and linear modulus of elasticity.
Identification of Volatiles of the Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum cordatum
Authors: Koteska Diana , Sanchez Garcia Selene , Wagner-Döbler Irene , Schulz Stefan
Published: May 2022

The dinoflagellate Prorocentrum cordatum, often called P. minimum, is a potentially toxic alga found in algal blooms. Volatile compounds released by the alga might carry important information, e.g., on its physiological state, and may act as chemical messengers. We report here the identification of volatile organic compounds emitted by two strains, xenic P. cordatum CCMP 1529 and axenic P. cordatum CCMP 1329. The volatiles released during culture were identified despite their low production rates, using sensitive methods such as open-system-stripping analysis (OSSA) on Tenax TA desorption tubes, thermodesorption, cryofocusing and GC/MS-analysis. The analyses revealed 16 compounds released from the xenic strain and 52 compounds from the axenic strain. The majority of compounds were apocarotenoids, aromatic compounds and small oxylipins, but new natural products such as 3,7-dimethyl-4-octanolide were also identified and synthesized. The large difference of compound composition between xenic and axenic algae will be discussed.
Infrared Laser-Based Single Cell Permeabilization by Plasma Membrane Temperature Gradients
Authors: Garner Allen L. , Neculaes Bogdan , Dylov Dmitry V.
Published: May 2022

Single cell microinjection provides precise tuning of the volume and timing of delivery into the treated cells; however, it also introduces workflow complexity that requires highly skilled operators and specialized equipment. Laser-based microinjection provides an alternative method for targeting a single cell using a common laser and a workflow that may be readily standardized. This paper presents experiments using a 1550 nm, 100 fs pulse duration laser with a repetition rate of 20 ns for laser-based microinjection and calculations of the hypothesized physical mechanism responsible for the experimentally observed permeabilization. Chinese Hamster Ovarian (CHO) cells exposed to this laser underwent propidium iodide uptake, demonstrating the potential for selective cell permeabilization. The agreement between the experimental conditions and the electropermeabilization threshold based on estimated changes in the transmembrane potential induced by a laser-induced plasma membrane temperature gradient, even without accounting for enhancement due to traditional electroporation, strengthens the hypothesis of this mechanism for the experimental observations. Compared to standard 800 nm lasers, 1550 nm fs lasers may ultimately provide a lower cost microinjection method that readily interfaces with a microscope and is agnostic to operator skill, while inducing fewer deleterious effects (e.g., temperature rise, shockwaves, and cavitation bubbles).
Research of Resistance of Selected Materials to Abrasive Wear to Increase the Ploughshare Lifetime
Authors: Vargova Monika , Tavodova Miroslava , Monkova Katarina , Dzupon Miroslav
Published: May 2022

Road maintenance and cleaning in winter are performed with ploughshares. Due to the fact that the layer of snow and ice that is removed from the road surface contains various hard impurities, ploughshares are exposed to high intensity abrasive wear. This article deals with the resistance to abrasive wear of originally used ploughshare materials and the materials that were designed as a suitable modification of the ploughshare to increase its service life. The chemical composition of materials used to manufacture ploughshare components is unknown. For this reason, they were analyzed with an ARL 4460 spectrometer, which was used to analyze the element content. The main part of the research was focused on the abrasion resistance test, which was performed according to the GOST 23.208-79 standard. Based on the chemical analysis, it was found that the basic body of the ploughshare was made of S355J2G3 steel, and the raking blade material was made of 37MnSi5 steel. The original material (steel S355J2G3) of the ploughshare body as a reference standard was compared to steel HARDOX 450. Furthermore, a sample made of the original material of the raking blade (steel 37MnSi5) was used as a reference standard, the properties of which were compared to the newly designed OK 84.58 and UTP 690 hardfacing materials. The parametric test method of statistical hypotheses was also used to process and evaluate the weight losses of the selected materials.
Fully Integrated High-Performance MEMS Energy Harvester for Mechanical and Contactless Magnetic Excitation in Resonance and at Low Frequencies
Authors: Bodduluri Mani Teja , Dankwort Torben , Lisec Thomas , Grünzig Sven , Khare Anmol , Ahmed Minhaz , Gojdka Björn
Published: May 2022

Energy harvesting and storage is highly demanded to enhance the lifetime of autonomous systems, such as IoT sensor nodes, avoiding costly and time-consuming battery replacement. However, cost efficient and small-scale energy harvesting systems with reasonable power output are still subjects of current development. In this work, we present a mechanically and magnetically excitable MEMS vibrational piezoelectric energy harvester featuring wafer-level integrated rare-earth micromagnets. The latter enable harvesting of energy efficiently both in resonance and from low-g, low-frequency mechanical energy sources. Under rotational magnetic excitation at frequencies below 50 Hz, RMS power output up to 74.11 µW is demonstrated in frequency up-conversion. Magnetic excitation in resonance results in open-circuit voltages > 9 V and RMS power output up to 139.39 µW. For purely mechanical excitation, the powder-based integration process allows the realization of high-density and thus compact proof masses in the cantilever design. Accordingly, the device achieves 24.75 µW power output under mechanical excitation of 0.75 g at resonance. The ability to load a capacitance of 2.8 µF at 2.5 V within 30 s is demonstrated, facilitating a custom design low-power ASIC.
Sub–100 nm Nanoparticle Upconcentration in Flow by Dielectrophoretic Forces
Authors: Dimaki Maria , Olsen Mark Holm , Rozlosnik Noemi , Svendsen Winnie E.
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a novel microfluidic chip for upconcentration of sub–100 nm nanoparticles in a flow using electrical forces generated by a DC or AC field. Two electrode designs were optimized using COMSOL Multiphysics and tested using particles with sizes as low as 47 nm. We show how inclined electrodes with a zig-zag three-tooth configuration in a channel of 20 µm width are the ones generating the highest gradient and therefore the largest force. The design, based on AC dielectrophoresis, was shown to upconcentrate sub–100 nm particles by a factor of 11 using a flow rate of 2–25 µL/h. We present theoretical and experimental results and discuss how the chip design can easily be massively parallelized in order to increase throughput by a factor of at least 1250.
Analytical Model for the Depth Progress during Laser Micromachining of V-Shaped Grooves
Authors: Holder Daniel , Weber Rudolf , Graf Thomas
Published: May 2022

An analytical model is presented that allows predicting the progress and the final depth obtained by laser micromachining of grooves in metals with ultrashort laser pulses. The model assumes that micromachined grooves feature a V-shaped geometry and that the fluence absorbed along the walls is distributed with a linear increase from the edge to the tip of the groove. The depth progress of the processed groove is recursively calculated based on the depth increments induced by successive scans of the laser beam along the groove. The experimental validation confirms the model and its assumptions for micromachining of grooves in a Ti-alloy with femtosecond pulses and different pulse energies, repetition rates, scanning speeds and number of scans.
Research on Insurance Method for Energetic Materials on Information Self-Destruction Chips
Authors: Feng Hengzhen , Lou Wenzhong , He Bo , Lv Sining , Su Wenting
Published: May 2022

Detonation waves released by energetic materials provide an important means of physical self-destruction (Psd) for information storage chips (ISCs) in the information insurance field and offer advantages that include a rapid response and low driving energy. The high electrical sensitivity of energetic materials means that they are easily triggered by leakage currents and electrostatic forces. Therefore, a Psd module based on a graphene-based insurance actuator heterogeneously integrated with energetic materials is proposed. First, the force–balance relation between the electrostatic van der Waals force and the elastic recovery force of the insurance actuator’s graphene electrode is established to realize physical isolation and an electrical interconnection between the energetic materials and the peripheral electrical systems. Second, a numerical analysis of the detonation wave stress of the energetic materials in the air domain is performed, and the copper azide dosage required to achieve reliable ISC Psd is obtained. Third, the insurance actuator is prepared via graphene thin film processing and copper azide is prepared via an in situ reaction. The experimental results show that the energetic materials proposed can release physical isolation within 14 μs and can achieve ISC Psd under the application of a voltage signal (4.4–4.65 V). Copper azide (0.45–0.52 mg) can achieve physical damage over an ISC area (23.37–35.84 mm2) within an assembly gap (0.05–0.25 mm) between copper azide and ISC. The proposed method has high applicability for information insurance.
Mineralogical Criteria for the Prediction of Gold Mineralization in the Structures of the Siberian Craton
Authors: Nikiforova Zinaida
Published: May 2022

Generalization of the results of the study of placer gold and the mechanisms of its distribution in the east of the Siberian Platform made it possible for the first time to reveal that the ore sources of gold-bearing placers were mainly mineralization of the gold-sulfide formation formed under the influence of hydrothermal metasomatic processes occurred in deep fault zones. It is determined that the gold-bearing hydrothermal-metasomatic formations of the gold-sulfide rock formation are amagmatic, near-surface, low-temperature and spatially confined to deep faults. These formations are widespread in terrigenous-carbonate strata and sand deposits of PZ-MZ age and are observed in the zones of brecciation, silicification, and ferruginization. The analysis of the mechanisms of distribution of hydrothermal-metasomatic gold-bearing formations in the east of the Siberian Platform, based on previously conducted research of predecessors and our field observations, allowed us to establish the following. In the northeast, hydrothermal-metasomatic formations occur in the field of development of the Zhigansky fault, the Molodo-Popigai and Anabar-Eekite fault system, in the central part of the east of the Siberian Platform, the Vilyui paleorift (Kempendyai dislocations), and in the southeast in the Baikal-Patom thrust belt in ancient faults (Bappagai, Khorinsky, etc.). Metasomatites of hydrothermal origin form extended narrow formations along ancient faults activated in the Mesozoic, as well as conformable deposits in the Vendian, Cambrian carbonate strata, Jurassic and Cretaceous sandstones. It is proved that these formations are amagmatic and are not related to the widespread magmatism of the basic composition, which is confirmed by the homogenous mineral composition of metasomatites, independent of the composition of magmatic bodies spatially located with them. Zones of metasomatites with gold mineralization contain Au from 0.5 to 3.0 g/t, and in isolated cases up to 24–32 g/t. Gold is represented from finely-dispersed to visible fine, with a size from 0.01 to 0.5 mm or more. It is known that hydrothermal-metasomatic processes on the territory of Central Aldan contributed to the formation of large deposits such as Kuranakh, Tabornoye and others. It is possible that the identified gold-ore metasomatites, developed along the zones of regional faults and not confined to magmatic formations, widely occurred both in the northeast and in the southeast of the Siberian Platform, represent a huge metallogenic potential.
Integration of Stress–Strain Maps in Mineral Systems Targeting for IOCG Mineralisation within the Mt. Woods Inlier, Gawler Craton, South Australia
Authors: Gloyn-Jones Jonathan Nicholas , Basson Ian James , Stoch Ben , Koegelenberg Corné , McCall Michael-John
Published: May 2022

The application of finite element analysis is used to simulate the relative distribution and magnitude of stress–strain conditions during a geologically brief, NNW-SSE-oriented, extensional event (1595 Ma to 1590 Ma), co-incident with IOCG-hydrothermal fluid flow and mineralisation across the Mt Woods Inlier, Gawler Craton, South Australia. Differential stress and shear strain maps across the modelled terrane highlight regions that were predisposed to strain localization, extensional failure and fluid throughput during the simulated mineralisation event. These maps are integrated with other datasets and interpretation layers, one of which is a proposed structural–geometrical relationship apparent in many world-class IOCG deposits, including Prominent Hill, Olympic Dam, Sossego, Salobo, Cristalino and Candelaria. These deposits occur at steeply plunging, pipe-like intersections of conjugate extensional systems of faults, shears and/or contacts, wherein the obtuse angle may have been bisected by the maximum principal extensional axis (viz., σ3) during mineralisation. Several other layers are also used for the generation of targets, such as distance from major shear zones, favourable host lithologies, and proximity to tectonostratigraphic contacts of markedly contrasting competency. The result is an integrated target index or heat map for IOCG prospectively across the Mt. Woods Inlier.
Field Experiments of Phyto-Stabilization, Biochar-Stabilization, and Their Coupled Stabilization of Soil Heavy Metal Contamination around a Copper Mine Tailing Site, Inner Mongolia
Authors: Liu Hong , Teng Yanguo , Zheng Nengzhan , Liu Linmei , Yue Weifeng , Zhai Yuanzheng , Yang Jie
Published: May 2022

A field trial was conducted in Inner Mongolia to evaluate the stabilization effects of phyto-stabilization, biochar-stabilization, and their coupled stabilization for As, Cu, Pb, and Zn in soil. Stabilization plants (Achnatherum splendens, Puccinellia chinampoensis, and Chinese small iris) and biochar (wood charcoals and chelator-modified biochar) were introduced in the field trial. The acid-extractable fraction and residual fraction of the elements were extracted following a three-stage modified procedure to assess the stabilization effect. The results after 60 days showed that the coupled stabilization produced a better stabilization effect than biochar-/phyto- stabilization alone. Achnatherum splendens and Puccinellia chinampoensis were found to activate the target elements: the residual fraction proportion of As, Cu, Pb, and Zn decreased while the acid-extractable fraction proportion of Cu and Zn increased in the corresponding planting area. Neither type of biochar produced a notable stabilization effect. The residual fraction proportion of As (20.8–84.0%, 29.2–82%), Pb (31.6–39.3%, 32.1–48.9%), and Zn (30.0–36.2%, 30.1–41.4%) increased, while the acid-extractable fraction proportion remained nearly unchanged after treatment using Chinese small iris-straw biochar or Achnatherum splendens-straw biochar, respectively. The results indicate that phyto-stabilization or biochar-stabilization alone are not suitable, whereas the coupled stabilization approach is a more efficient choice.
Mechanical Properties and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Water-Bearing Coal Specimens under a Coupled Compression–Shear Load
Authors: Wang Lan , Wu Peng , Li Ming , Mao Xianbiao , Chen Liang
Published: May 2022

The construction of an underground coal mine reservoir plays an essential role in the ecological environment of arid areas. The moisture content and loading angle inclination significantly impact the strength and stability of the safety coal pillar of underground reservoirs. Water-bearing coal was investigated under a coupled compression–shear load using inclined uniaxial compression tests on coal samples with varying water contents (ω = 0%, 2.42%, 5.53%, 7.55%, and 10.08%) and acoustic emission (AE) technology. The weakening mechanism of the mechanical property parameters and the crack evolution law, combined with the characteristics of the stress–strain curve, the cumulative AE count, and the cumulative AE energy methods, were used. Therefore, the evolution law of the coal’s crack closure (CC) threshold, crack initiation (CI) threshold, and crack damage (CD) threshold was analyzed. The results indicate that coal samples’ peak stress and elastic modulus decreased when the water content or inclination angle increased. Peak shear stress decreased as the water content rose, and the overall characteristics gradually rose as the inclination angle increased. The exception was when the ratio was 10.08%; when the inclination angle was 0°, the failure mode of the coal sample progressively changed from tension failure (ω = 0%, 2.42%) to tension–shear composite failure (ω = 5.53%), and finally to shear failure (ω = 7.55%, 10.08%). When the inclination angle was 5°, the coal sample was dominated by tension–shear composite failure at any moisture content. When the inclination angle was 10° and 15°, the coal specimens showed shear failure at any moisture content. The evolution law of tensile and shear cracks determined by AE characteristic parameters was consistent with the macrofracture characteristics of the coal specimens. When the water content or inclination angle increased, the crack closure threshold, crack initiation threshold, and damage threshold of the coal samples decreased. Therefore, these results show that their peak stress ratio does not depend on the water content or inclination angle.
Screening of Indanoyl-Type Compounds as Elicitors of Isoflavonoid Phytoalexins in Colombian Common Bean Cultivars
Authors: Aristizábal Diego , Gil Jesús , Quiñones Winston , Durango Diego
Published: May 2022

Eleven indanoyl derivatives were synthesized and, along with methyl jasmonate, evaluated as isoflavonoid-phytoalexin elicitors in two cultivars of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cvs. ICA-Cerinza and Uribe Rosado, tolerant and susceptible to anthracnose, respectively). Indanoyl derivatives (an ester, two amides, and eight indanoyl-amino acid conjugates) were obtained from 1-oxo-indane-4-carboxylic acid. In general, the accumulation of isoflavonoid-type phytoalexins, such as isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, and 2′-hydroxygenistein), isoflavanones (dalbergioidin and kievitone), isoflavan (phaseollinisoflavan), coumestrol, and pterocarpans (phaseollidin and phaseollin), was dependent on the common bean cultivar, the post-induction time, and the elicitor structure. Isoflavones, dalbergioidin, and coumestrol reached their highest amounts during the first 48 to 72 h, whereas kievitone, phaseollinisoflavano, and the pterocarpans reached maximum levels between 72 and 96 h. The 1-oxo-indanoyl-L-isoleucine methyl ester elicited the highest levels of phytoalexins (similar to those elicited by the methyl jasmonate) and showed no significant phytotoxic effects on common bean seedlings. The indanoyl-type synthetic elicitor, 1-oxo-indanoyl-L-isoleucine methyl ester, may represent a promising agronomic alternative for disease control in common bean by enhancing the accumulation of antimicrobial isoflavonoid phytoalexins.
Study on South African Indigenous Teas—Antioxidant Potential, Nutritional Content, and Hypoxia-Induced Cyclooxygenase Inhibition on U87 MG Cell Line
Authors: Matsabisa Motlalepula Gilbert , Bala Asis , Tripathy Satyajit , Digashu Michelle Mogomane , Rautenbach Fanie , Dassarma Barsha , Erhabor Joseph Omorogiuwa , Braga Fernao Castro , Mukherjee Pulok Kumar , Tang Minke , Kang Youngmin
Published: May 2022

Background: This study comparatively assessed seven indigenous traditional tea plants on several attributes that included antioxidant, nutritional, caffeine contents, and cyclooxygenase activity. Methodology: Nutritional content of all tea plants were determined for energy, fat, carbohydrates, total sugars, dietary fiber and amino acids. Antioxidant potential and the antioxidant potentiating secondary metabolites were also measured and compared. Further, we investigated the tea plants for any role they would have on cyclooxygenase (COX) activity on cobalt chloride (CoCl2) induced human glioma cell lines (U87MG). Results: The tea plants were found non-cytotoxic at concentrations tested against the human Chang liver and HeK 293 kidney cells and were found to be naturally caffeine free. The lowest and highest extraction yield among the tea plants was 7.1% for B. saligna and 15.48% for L. scaberrimma respectively. On average, the flavonol content was 12 to 8 QE/g, ORAC 800 µmol TE/g, TEAC 150 µmol TE/g, FRAP 155 µmol AAE/g, polyphenols 40 mg GAE/g, flavanols 0.35 mg CE/g, flavonols 12 mg QE/g and total flavonoid content (TFC) 180 µg QE/mg. The COX activity has been found to be inhibited by a dose-dependent manner by L. scaberrimma, B. saligna and L. javanica. Conclusion: The results further support competitive value of tea plants and need for improved and further development.
On-Line Thermally Induced Evolved Gas Analysis: An Update—Part 1: EGA-MS
Authors: Risoluti Roberta , Gullifa Giuseppina , Barone Laura , Papa Elena , Materazzi Stefano
Published: May 2022

Advances in on-line thermally induced evolved gas analysis (OLTI-EGA) have been systematically reported by our group to update their applications in several different fields and to provide useful starting references. The importance of an accurate interpretation of the thermally-induced reaction mechanism which involves the formation of gaseous species is necessary to obtain the characterization of the evolved products. In this review, applications of Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) performed by on-line coupling heating devices to mass spectrometry (EGA-MS), are reported. Reported references clearly demonstrate that the characterization of the nature of volatile products released by a substance subjected to a controlled temperature program allows us to prove a supposed reaction or composition, either under isothermal or under heating conditions. Selected 2019, 2020, and 2021 references are collected and briefly described in this review.
Synthesis of Asebogenin and Balsacone A Precursor by a Novel Synthetic Strategy: Recent Opportunities for and Challenges of Total Synthesis of Balsacone A
Authors: Polat M. Fatih
Published: May 2022

One of the main areas of interest of synthetic organic chemistry is the rapid construction of small molecules with proven diverse biological activities for the development of new strategies to cure human health. In particular, the development of novel synthetic strategies is the most important option for reaching the molecular scaffolds of active molecules of natural origin. Balsacone A and asebogenin are compounds that exhibit a wide variety of important biological activities. In this respect, it has become very important to develop new strategies for the construction of biologically active natural and synthetic balsacone analogues. In particular, balsacone derivatives with hydroxy-substituted dihydrochalcone skeletons can be isolated from plant sources or obtained by hemi-syntheses using bio-sourced precursors. An efficient synthetic strategy to synthetically obtain balsacone A is the aim of the present study that considers the limited natural availability of these molecules as well as other factors, such as cost and time. Starting with phloroglucinol, a nine-step synthesis of the precursor of balsacone A was achieved at a 10% overall yield. Furthermore, asebogenin, which has a dihydrochalcone structure and plays a key role in the synthesis of balsacone A, was synthesised with a good yield.
Fluorinated Analogues of Lepidilines A and C: Synthesis and Screening of Their Anticancer and Antiviral Activity
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Kowalczyk Mateusz , Celeda Małgorzata , Jasiński Marcin , Denel-Bobrowska Marta , Olejniczak Agnieszka B.
Published: May 2022

Starting with fluorinated benzylamines, a series of 2-unsubstituted imidazole N-oxides was prepared and subsequently deoxygenated in order to prepare the corresponding imidazoles. The latter were treated with benzyl halides yielding imidazolium salts, which are considered fluorinated analogues of naturally occurring imidazolium alkaloids known as lepidilines A and C. A second series of oxa-lepidiline analogues was obtained by O-benzylation of the initially synthetized imidazole N-oxides. Both series of imidazolium salts were tested as anticancer and antiviral agents. The obtained results demonstrated that the introduction of a fluorine atom, fluoroalkyl or fluoroalkoxy substituents (F, CF3 or OCF3) amplifies cytotoxic properties, whereas the cytotoxicity of some fluorinated lepidilines is promising in the context of drug discovery. All studied compounds revealed a lack of antiviral activity against the investigated viruses in the nontoxic concentrations.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Euphorbia wallichii Leaf Extract: Its Antibacterial Action against Citrus Canker Causal Agent and Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Ullah Rahim , Ahmad Maaz , Ali Ahmad , Ullah Zahid , Ali Mohammad , Al-Joufi Fakhria A. , Zahoor Muhammad , Sher Hassan
Published: May 2022

Biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles are emerging as attractive alternatives to chemical pesticides due to the ease of their synthesis, safety and antimicrobial activities in lower possible concentrations. In the present study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of the medicinal plant Euphorbia wallichii and tested them against the plant pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis, the causative agent of citrus canker, via an in vitro experiment. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the plant species were investigated for phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. The antioxidant potential of the extract was determined against a DPPH radical. The extract was also evaluated for phenolic compounds using the HPLC technique. The results confirmed the synthesis of centered cubic, spherical-shaped and crystalline nanoparticles by employing standard characterization techniques. A qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolics (41.52 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (14.2 mg QE/g) and other metabolites of medicinal importance. Different concentrations (1000 µg/mL to 15.62 µg/mL—2 fold dilutions) of AgNPs and plant extract (PE) alone, and both in combination (AgNPs-PE), exhibited a differential inhibition of X. axanopodis in a high throughput antibacterial assay. Overall, AgNPs-PE was superior in terms of displaying significant antibacterial activity, followed by AgNPs alone. An appreciable antioxidant potential was recorded as well. The observed antibacterial and antioxidant potential may be attributed to eight phenolic compounds identified in the extract. The Euphorbia wallichii leaf-extract-induced synthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against X. axanopodis, which could be exploited as effective alternative preparations against citrus canker in planta in a controlled environment. In addition, as a good source of phenolic compounds, the plant could be further exploited for potent antioxidants.
BSA Interaction, Molecular Docking, and Antibacterial Activity of Zinc(II) Complexes Containing the Sterically Demanding Biomimetic N3S2 Ligand: The Effect of Structure Flexibility
Authors: Soliman Eman , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , El-Khouly Mohamed E. , El-Mehasseb Ibrahim , Ramadan Abd El-Motaleb M. , Mahfouz Magdy E. , Shaban Shaban Y. , van Eldik Rudi
Published: May 2022

Two zinc(II) complexes, DBZ and DBZH4, that have (ZnN3S2) cores and differ in the bridging mode of the ligating backbone, effectively bind to BSA. The binding affinity varies as DBZ > DBZH4 and depends on the ligand structure. At low concentrations, both complexes exhibit dynamic quenching, whereas at higher concentrations they exhibit mixed (static and dynamic) quenching. The energy transfer mechanism from the BSA singlet excited state to DBZ and DBZH4, is highly likely according to steady-state fluorescence and time-correlated singlet photon counting. Molecular docking was used to support the mode of interaction of the complexes with BSA and showed that DBZ had more energy for binding. Furthermore, antibacterial testing revealed that both complexes were active but to a lesser extent than chloramphenicol. In comparison to DBZH4, DBZ has higher antibacterial activity, which is consistent with the binding constants, molecular docking, and particle size of adducts. These findings may have an impact on biomedicine.