bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selected Concrete Models Studied Using Willam’s Test
Authors: Wosatko Adam , Szczecina Michał , Winnicki Andrzej
Published: October 2020

Willam’s test is a quick numerical benchmark in tension–shear regime, which can be used to verify inelastic (quasi-brittle) material models at the point level. Its sequence consists of two separate steps: uniaxial tension accompanied with contraction—until the tensile strength is attained; and next for softening (cracking) of the material—tension in two directions together with shear. A rotation of axes of principal strains and principal stresses is provoked in the second stage. That kind of process occurs during the analysis of real concrete structures, so a correct response of the material model at the point level is needed. Some familiar concrete models are selected to perform Willam’s test in the paper: concrete damaged plasticity and concrete smeared cracking—distributed in the commercial ABAQUS software, scalar damage with coupling to plasticity and isotropic damage—both implemented in the FEAP package. After a brief review of the theory, computations for each model are discussed. Passing or failing Willam’s test by the above models is concluded based on their results, indicating restrictions of their use for finite element computations of concrete structures with predominant mixed-mode fracture.
Ag2O and NiO Decorated CuFe2O4 with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance to Improve the Degradation Efficiency of Methylene Blue
Authors: Liu Lu , Hu Nan , An Yonglei , Du Xingyuan , Zhang Xiao , Li Yan , Zeng Yan , Cui Zheng
Published: October 2020

Dye wastewater is a serious threat to human health and life. It is an important task for researchers to treat it efficiently. Among many treatment methods, the photo-Fenton method can rapidly degrade organic pollutants. In this study, a ternary photocatalyst, Ag2O-NiO/CuFe2O4, was prepared and applied for a photo-Fenton reaction to degrade methylene blue (MB). MB had the best degradation effect when 10 mg of the catalyst were used in an 80 mL reaction system for measurement. The degradation rate of MB was up to 96.67% in 60 min with a high degradation rate constant k=5.67×10−2min−1. The total organic carbon (TOC) degradation rate was 78.64% with a TOC degradation rate constant of k=2.57×10−2min−1. Therefore, this study fully proves that Ag2O-NiO/CuFe2O4 can catalyze the photo-Fenton reaction and effectively degrade MB.
A New FeIII Substituted Arsenotungstate [FeIII2(AsIIIW6O23)2(AsIIIO3H)2]12−: Synthesis, Structure, Characterization and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Ibrahim Masooma , Peng Yan , Anson Christopher E.
Published: October 2020

The iron(III)-containing arsenotungstate [FeIII2(AsIIIW6O23)2(AsIIIO3H)2]12− (1) was prepared via a simple, one-pot reaction in aqueous basic medium. The compound was isolated as its sodium salt, and structurally-characterized by Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction (SCXRD), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and elemental analysis. Its magnetic properties are reported; the antiferromagnetic coupling between the two FeIII centers is unusually weak as a result of the bridging geometry imposed by the rigid arsenotungstate metalloligands.
Major Clues and Pitfalls in the Differential Diagnosis of Parathyroid and Thyroid Lesions Using Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Ha Hwa Jeong , Kim Eun Ju , Kim Jung-Soon , Shin Myung-Soon , Noh Insup , Park Sunhoo , Koh Jae Soo , Lee Seung-Sook
Published: October 2020

Background: It is difficult to distinguish parathyroid lesions (PLs) from thyroid lesions using fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) because of their proximity and their similar cytomorphological features. Methods: FNAC smears of 46 patients with pathologically proven PLs that were histologically diagnosed as parathyroid adenoma (PA, n = 35), parathyroid hyperplasia (PH, n = 3), atypical parathyroid adenoma (APA, n = 1), and parathyroid carcinoma (PC, n = 7) were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results: Our initial cytological diagnoses indicated correct diagnoses in 31 of 46 PL patients (67%). The 15 erroneous diagnoses were 5 patients with non-specific benign disease (11%), 4 with nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid (9%), 5 with atypical cells (11%), and 1 with a metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (2%). Follicular pattern, papillary structures, colloid-like material, and macrophages, which often suggest thyroid lesions, were also present in some PLs. We found that branching capillaries along the papillary structures, stippled nuclear chromatin, and frequent occurrence of naked nuclei were useful for determining a parathyroid origin. Conclusions: It is important to be aware that PLs are frequently mistaken for thyroid lesions based on FNAC. The specific and unique characteristics of PLs identified here may be helpful in diagnosis.
SDHx and Non-Chromaffin Tumors: A Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumor Occurring in a Young Man with Germline SDHB Mutation
Authors: De Filpo Giuseppina , Cilotti Antonio , Rolli Luigi , Pastorino Ugo , Sonzogni Angelica , Pradella Silvia , Cantini Giulia , Ercolino Tonino , Nesi Gabriella , Mannelli Massimo , Maggi Mario , Canu Letizia
Published: October 2020

Background: Mutations in genes encoding one of the subunits of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) are involved in pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and paraganglioma (PGL) development. Over the last few years, such mutations have also been associated with non-chromaffin tumors. However, immunohistochemistry (IHC) on the tumor tissue and a study on the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) aimed at demonstrating the pathogenic role of SDHx genes have only been employed in a few cases. Case report: We describe the case of a 19-year-old Caucasian man with a germline SDHB mutation, who presented with acne vulgaris resistant to medical treatment. His follow-up for chromaffin tumors was negative, while hormonal tests revealed suppressed gonadotropins with testosterone in the upper range of normality and elevated β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG). At the whole-body enhanced CT scan, a mediastinal lesion suggestive of a germ cell tumor (GCT) was detected. 18FDG-PET (fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography) imaging showed low glucose metabolism at the mediastinal site. Surgical removal of the mass was uneventful. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of GCT consisting of cystic teratoma (95%) and seminoma (5%). IHC for SDHB showed normal protein expression, and genetic analysis of the tumor tissue revealed the absence of SDHB LOH. Normalization of the hormonal tests and acne attenuation were achieved after surgery. Conclusion: We report an incidental association of a germinal SDHB mutation and mediastinal GCT in a young Caucasian man. Our paper highlights the importance of IHC and genetic analysis in confirming the etiologic role of SDHx genes in nonchromaffin tumors, thus excluding incidental associations.
A Novel Ionic Exchange Membrane Crystallizer to Recover Magnesium Hydroxide from Seawater and Industrial Brines
Authors: La Corte Daniele , Vassallo Fabrizio , Cipollina Andrea , Turek Marian , Tamburini Alessandro , Micale Giorgio
Published: October 2020

A novel technology, the ion exchange membrane crystallizer (CrIEM), that combines reactive and membrane crystallization, was investigated in order to recover high purity magnesium hydroxide from multi-component artificial and natural solutions. In particular, in a CrIEM reactor, the presence of an anion exchange membrane (AEM), which separates two-compartment containing a saline solution and an alkaline solution, allows the passage of hydroxyl ions from the alkaline to the saline solution compartment, where crystallization of magnesium hydroxide occurs, yet avoiding a direct mixing between the solutions feeding the reactor. This enables the use of low-cost reactants (e.g., Ca(OH)2) without the risk of co-precipitation of by-products and contamination of the final crystals. An experimental campaign was carried out treating two types of feed solution, namely: (1) a waste industrial brine from the Bolesław Śmiały coal mine in Łaziska Górne (Poland) and (2) Mediterranean seawater, collected from the North Sicilian coast (Italy). The CrIEM was tested in a feed and bleed modality in order to operate in a continuous mode. The Mg2+ concentration in the feed solutions ranges from 0.7 to 3.2 g/L. Magnesium recovery efficiencies from 89 up to 100% were reached, while magnesium hydroxide purity between 94% and 98.8% was obtained.
Novel Multicomponent B2-Ordered Aluminides: Compositional Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Thermal Stability
Authors: Muralikrishna G. Mohan , Esther A. Carmel Mary , Guruvidyathri K. , Watermeyer Philipp , Liebscher Christian H. , Kulkarni Kaustubh N. , Wilde Gerhard , Divinski Sergiy V. , Murty B. S.
Published: October 2020

For the first time, multicomponent alloys belonging to a B2-ordered single phase were designed and fabricated by melting route. The design concept of high entropy alloys is applied to engineering the transition metal sublattice of binary B2 aluminide. The equiatomic substitution of transition metal elements in the Ni sublattice of binary AlNi followed to produce Al(CoNi), Al(FeNi), Al(CoFe), Al(CoFeNi), Al(CoFeMnNi), and Al(CoCuFeMnNi) multicomponent alloys. CALculation of PHAse Diagrams (CALPHAD) approach was used to predict the phases in these alloys. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to confirm the B2 ordering in the alloys. Thermal stability of the B2 phase in these alloys was demonstrated by prolonged heat treatments at 1373 K and 1073 K up to 200 h.
Temperature Dependent Solid Solution Strengthening in the High Entropy Alloy CrMnFeCoNi in Single Crystalline State
Authors: Gadelmeier Christian , Haas Sebastian , Lienig Tim , Manzoni Anna , Feuerbacher Michael , Glatzel Uwe
Published: October 2020

The main difference between high entropy alloys and conventional alloys is the solid solution strengthening effect, which shifts from a single element to a multi-element matrix. Little is known about the effectiveness of this effect at high temperatures. Face-centered cubic, equiatomic, and single crystalline high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi was pre-alloyed by arc-melting and cast as a single crystal using the Bridgman process. Mechanical characterization by creep testing were performed at temperatures of 700, 980, 1100, and 1200 °C at different loads under vacuum and compared to single-crystalline pure nickel. The results allow a direct assessment of the influence of the chemical composition without any disturbance by grain boundary sliding or diffusion. The results indicate different behaviors of single crystalline pure nickel and CrMnFeCoNi. At 700 °C CrMnFeCoNi is more creep-resistant than Ni, but at 980 °C both alloys show a nearly similar creep strength. Above 980 °C the creep behavior is identical and the solid solution strengthening effect of the CrMnFeCoNi alloy disappears.
On the Zener–Hollomon Parameter, Multi-Layer Perceptron and Multivariate Polynomials in the Struggle for the Peak and Steady-State Description
Authors: Opěla Petr , Kawulok Petr , Schindler Ivo , Kawulok Rostislav , Rusz Stanislav , Navrátil Horymír
Published: October 2020

Description of flow stress evolution, specifically an approximation of a set of flow curves acquired under a wide range of thermomechanical conditions, of various materials is often solved via so-called flow stress models. Some of these models are associated with a description of significant flow-curve coordinates. It is clear, the more accurate the coordinates description, the more accurate the assembled model. In the presented research, Zener–Hollomon-based relations, multi-layer perceptron networks and multivariate polynomials are employed to describe the peak and steady-state coordinates of an Invar 36 flow curve dataset. Comparison of the utilized methods in the case of the studied alloy has showed that the suitable description is given by the multivariate polynomials although the Zener–Hollomon and perceptron networks also offer valuable results.
Wire Arc Deposition Additive Manufacturing and Experimental Study of 316L Stainless Steel by CMT + P Process
Authors: Xie Bin , Xue Jiaxiang , Ren Xianghui
Published: October 2020

The cold metal transfer plus pulse (CMT + P) process was performed to produce a 316L vertical wall through the single-channel multi-layer deposition method. The microstructure of different regions on deposited samples was observed by an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The phase composition of the as-deposited wall was checked by X-ray diffraction, and the element distribution in the structure was analyzed by an energy-dispersive spectrometer. The tensile strength and microhardness of samples were tested, and the fracture morphology was observed by an SEM. Finally, the electrochemical corrosion characteristics of the as-deposited wall in different regions along the building direction were tested. Results from the experiments indicated that the microstructure of metallography showed a layer band. The metallurgical bounding between layers was carried out by dendrite remelting and epitaxial growth. Along the building direction, the alloy of different regions solidified in an ferritic-austenitic (FA) manner, and due to having undergone different heat histories, their SEM microstructures were significantly distinct. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength (YS) of the vertical specimens were higher than those of the horizontal specimens, displaying obvious anisotropy. Due to a large amount of precipitation of precipitated phases in terms of intermetallic compounds in the middle and upper regions, the tensile strength and microhardness along the building direction showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. In the bottom region, a small amount of ferrite precipitated in the austenite matrix, while in the middle of the as-deposited wall, the amount of ferrite gradually increased and was distributed in the austenite matrix as a network. However, due to the heat accumulation effect, the ferrite dissolved into austenite in large quantities and the austenite showed an obvious increase in size in the top region. A stable passivation film was caused by a relatively low dislocation density and grain boundary number, and the middle region of the arc as-deposited wall had the best corrosion resistance. The large consumption of chromium (Cr) atoms and material stripping in the top region resulted in the integrity of the passivation film in this region being the weakest, resulting in the lowest corrosion resistance.
Eight Element Side Edged Framed MIMO Antenna Array for Future 5G Smart Phones
Authors: Kiani Saad Hassan , Altaf Ahsan , Abdullah Mujeeb , Muhammad Fazal , Shoaib Nosherwan , Anjum Muhammad Rizwan , Damaševičius Robertas , Blažauskas Tomas
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a novel design of a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system for next generation sub 6 GHz 5G and beyond mobile terminals. The proposed system is composed of a main board and two side boards. To make the design cost-effective, FR4 is used as a substrate. The design is based on a unit monopole antenna etched at the side substrate. The single element is resonating at 3.5 GHz attaining a 10 dB bandwidth of 200 MHz and a 6 dB bandwidth of 400 MHz. The single element is then transformed into an MIMO array of 8-elements with an overall dimension of 150 mm × 75 mm × 7 mm, providing pattern diversity characteristics and isolation better than −12 dB for any two radiating elements. A number of studies such as effects of human hand on the system that includes single hand mode and dual mode scenarios and the effects of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) over the principal performance parameters of the system are presented. The envelop correlation coefficient (ECC) is computed for all the scenarios and it is found that ECC is less than 0.1 for any case and maximum channel capacity is 38.5 bps/Hz within the band of interest. The main advantage of the proposed design over available designs in the literature is that almost all of the main substrate is empty providing wide space for different sensors, systems, and mobile technology components. A brief literature comparison of the proposed system is also presented. To validate the proposed model, a prototype is fabricated and results are presented. This design can be applied on higher frequencies to future micromachines for on chip communications using same theocratical approach as the space for higher frequencies in mmwave spectrum has been reserved. The simulated results are in an excellent agreement with the measured results. All the main performance parameters of the design are calculated and compared with the measured results wherever possible.
The HIV-1 Transgenic Rat: Relevance for HIV Noninfectious Comorbidity Research
Authors: Denaro Frank , Benedetti Francesca , Worthington Myla D. , Scapagnini Giovanni , Krauss Christopher C. , Williams Sumiko , Bryant Joseph , Davis Harry , Latinovic Olga S. , Zella Davide
Published: October 2020

HIV noninfectious comorbidities (NICMs) are a current healthcare challenge. The situation is further complicated as there are very few effective models that can be used for NICM research. Previous research has supported the use of the HIV-1 transgenic rat (HIV-1TGR) as a model for the study of HIV/AIDS. However, additional studies are needed to confirm whether this model has features that would support NICM research. A demonstration of the utility of the HIV-1TGR model would be to show that the HIV-1TGR has cellular receptors able to bind HIV proteins, as this would be relevant for the study of cell-specific tissue pathology. In fact, an increased frequency of HIV receptors on a specific cell type may increase tissue vulnerability since binding to HIV proteins would eventually result in cell dysfunction and death. Evidence suggests that observations of selective cellular vulnerability in this model are consistent with some specific tissue vulnerabilities seen in NICMs. We identified CXCR4-expressing cells in the brain, while specific markers for neuronal degeneration demonstrated that the same neural types were dying. We also confirm the presence of gp120 and Tat by immunocytochemistry in the spleen, as previously reported. However, we observed very rare positive cells in the brain. This underscores the point that gp120, which has been reported as detected in the sera and CSF, is a likely source to which these CXCR4-positive cells are exposed. This alternative appears more probable than the local production of gp120. Further studies may indicate some level of local production, but that will not eliminate the role of receptor-mediated pathology. The binding of gp120 to the CXCR4 receptor on neurons and other neural cell types in the HIV-1TGR can thus explain the phenomena of selective cell death. Selective cellular vulnerability may be a contributing factor to the development of NICMs. Our data indicate that the HIV-1TGR can be an effective model for the studies of HIV NICMs because of the difference in the regional expression of CXCR4 in rat tissues, thus leading to specific organ pathology. This also suggests that the model can be used in the development of therapeutic options.
Efflux Pump-Driven Antibiotic and Biocide Cross-Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Different Ecological Niches: A Case Study in the Development of Multidrug Resistance in Environmental Hotspots
Authors: Amsalu Anteneh , Sapula Sylvia A. , De Barros Lopes Miguel , Hart Bradley J. , Nguyen Anh H. , Drigo Barbara , Turnidge John , Leong Lex EX , Venter Henrietta
Published: October 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen displaying high intrinsic antimicrobial resistance and the ability to thrive in different ecological environments. In this study, the ability of P. aeruginosa to develop simultaneous resistance to multiple antibiotics and disinfectants in different natural niches were investigated using strains collected from clinical samples, veterinary samples, and wastewater. The correlation between biocide and antimicrobial resistance was determined by employing principal component analysis. Molecular mechanisms linking biocide and antimicrobial resistance were interrogated by determining gene expression using RT-qPCR and identifying a potential genetic determinant for co- and cross-resistance using whole-genome sequencing. A subpopulation of P. aeruginosa isolates belonging to three sequence types was resistant against the common preservative benzalkonium chloride and showed cross-resistance to fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and multidrug resistance. Of these, the epidemiological high-risk ST235 clone was the most abundant. The overexpression of the MexAB-OprM drug efflux pump resulting from amino acid mutations in regulators MexR, NalC, or NalD was the major contributing factor for cross-resistance that could be reversed by an efflux pump inhibitor. This is the first comparison of antibiotic-biocide cross-resistance in samples isolated from different ecological niches and serves as a confirmation of laboratory-based studies on biocide adapted isolates. The isolates from wastewater had a higher incidence of multidrug resistance and biocide-antibiotic cross-resistance than those from clinical and veterinary settings.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Aeromonas hydrophila CVM861 Isolated from Diarrhetic Neonatal Swine
Authors: Poole Toni L. , Schlosser Wayne D. , Anderson Robin C. , Norman Keri N. , Beier Ross C. , Nisbet David J.
Published: October 2020

Aeromonas hydrophila are ubiquitous in the environment and are highly distributed in aquatic habitats. They have long been known as fish pathogens but are opportunistic human pathogens. Aeromonas spp. have persisted through food-processing safeguards and have been isolated from fresh grocery vegetables, dairy, beef, pork, poultry products and packaged ready-to-eat meats, thus providing an avenue to foodborne illness. A beta-hemolytic, putative Escherichia coli strain collected from diarrheic neonatal pigs in Oklahoma was subsequently identified as A. hydrophila, and designated CVM861. Here we report the whole-genome sequence of A. hydrophila CVM861, SRA accession number, SRR12574563; BioSample number, SAMN1590692; Genbank accession number SRX9061579. The sequence data for CVM861 revealed four Aeromonas-specific virulence genes: lipase (lip), hemolysin (hlyA), cytonic enterotoxin (ast) and phospholipid-cholesterolacyltransferase (GCAT). There were no alignments to any virulence genes in VirulenceFinder. CVM861 contained an E. coli resistance plasmid identified as IncQ1_1__M28829. There were five aminoglycoside, three beta-lactam, and one each of macrolide, phenicol, sulfonamide, tetracycline and trimethoprim resistance genes, all with over 95% identity to genes in the ResFinder database. Additionally, there were 36 alignments to mobile genetic elements using MobileElementFinder. This shows that an aquatic pathogen, rarely considered in human disease, contributes to the resistome reservoir and may be capable of transferring resistance and virulence genes to other more prevalent foodborne strains such as E. coli or Salmonella in swine or other food production systems.
Early Intracellular Trafficking and Subsequent Activity of Programmed Cell Death in Channel Catfish Macrophages Infected with Edwardsiella ictaluri
Authors: Dubytska Lidiya P. , Thune Ronald L.
Published: October 2020

The development of Edwardsiella-containing-vacuoles (ECV) and the ability of Edwardsiella ictaluri to survive and replicate within macrophages suggests a unique process relative to normal phagosomal/lysosomal maturation and programed cell death. Developing ECV showed that endosomal membrane markers Rab5, EEA1, and Rab7 were all detected in both the wild type (WT) and an E. ictaluri type-3 secretion system (T3SS) mutant, 65ST. Co-localization with Lamp1, however, was significantly lower in the WT. The host cell endoplasmic reticulum marker, calnexin, co-localized to 65ST ECV significantly more than WT ECV, while Golgi vesicle marker, giantin, was recruited to WT ECV significantly more than 65ST. The autophagosomal marker LC3 was significantly lower in WT than in 65ST and Western blotting demonstrated significantly greater induction of the membrane localized, lipidated form, LC3-II, in 65ST ECV than in WT ECV. Activity of the apoptosis initiator caspase-8 increased post-infection in 65ST and was significantly lower in WT-infected cells. Executioner caspase-3/7 activity also increased significantly in 65ST-infected cells compared to WT-infected cells. Repression of apoptosis was further demonstrated with flow cytometry using Alexa Fluor 647-labeled Annexin V and propidium iodide. Results indicate that WT ECV fused with early and late endosomes but that phagosomal/lysosomal fusion did not occur. Additionally, WT-infected cells recruited Golgi vesicles for vacuolar size increase and bacterial growth material, and both autophagy and apoptosis were repressed in the WT. This activity was all based on the function of the E. ictaluri T3SS.
The Untapped Australasian Diversity of Astaxanthin-Producing Yeasts with Biotechnological Potential—Phaffia australis sp. nov. and Phaffia tasmanica sp. nov.
Authors: David-Palma Márcia , Libkind Diego , Brito Patrícia H. , Silva Margarida , Bellora Nicolás , Coelho Marco A. , Heitman Joseph , Gonçalves Paula , Sampaio José Paulo
Published: October 2020

Phaffia is an orange-colored basidiomycetous yeast genus of the order Cystofilobasidiales that contains a single species, P. rhodozyma. This species is the only fungus known to produce the economically relevant carotenoid astaxanthin. Although Phaffia was originally found in the Northern hemisphere, its diversity in the southern part of the globe has been shown to be much greater. Here we analyze the genomes of two Australasian lineages that are markedly distinct from P. rhodozyma. The two divergent lineages were investigated within a comprehensive phylogenomic study of representatives of the Cystofilobasidiales that supported the recognition of two novel Phaffia species, for which we propose the names of P. australis sp. nov. and P. tasmanica sp. nov. Comparative genomics and other analyses confirmed that the two new species have the typical Phaffia hallmark—the six genes necessary for the biosynthesis of astaxanthin could be retrieved from the draft genome sequences, and this carotenoid was detected in culture extracts. In addition, the organization of the mating-type (MAT) loci is similar to that of P. rhodozyma, with synteny throughout most regions. Moreover, cases of trans-specific polymorphism involving pheromone receptor genes and pheromone precursor proteins in the three Phaffia species, together with their shared homothallism, provide additional support for their classification in a single genus.
Molecular Epidemiology of Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Hospitalized Patients in Greece
Authors: Pappa Olga , Kefala Anastasia Maria , Tryfinopoulou Kyriaki , Dimitriou Marios , Kostoulas Kostas , Dioli Chrysa , Moraitou Eleni , Panopoulou Maria , Vogiatzakis Evaggelos , Mavridou Athena , Galanis Alex , Beloukas Apostolos
Published: October 2020

Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates are one of the major causes of both hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and community-acquired infections (CAIs). However, management of P. aeruginosa infections is difficult as the bacterium is inherently resistant to many antibiotics. In this study, a collection of 75 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from two tertiary hospitals from Athens and Alexnadroupolis in Greece was studied to assess antimicrobial sensitivity and molecular epidemiology. All P. aeruginosa isolates were tested for susceptibility to 11 commonly used antibiotics, and the newly introduced Double Locus Sequence Typing (DLST) scheme was implemented to elucidate the predominant clones. The tested P. aeruginosa isolates presented various resistant phenotypes, with Verona Integron-Mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM-2) mechanisms being the majority, and a new phenotype, FEPR-CAZS, being reported for the first time in Greek isolates. DLST revealed two predominant types, 32-39 and 8-37, and provided evidence for intra-hospital transmission of the 32-39 clone in one of the hospitals. The results indicate that DLST can be a valuable tool when local outbreaks demand immediate tracking investigation with limited time and financial resources.
Integrated Stirred-Tank Bioreactor with Internal Adsorption for the Removal of Ammonium to Enhance the Cultivation Performance of gdhA Derivative Pasteurella multocida B:2
Authors: Oslan Siti Nur Hazwani , Tan Joo Shun , Abbasiliasi Sahar , Ziad Sulaiman Ahmad , Saad Mohd Zamri , Halim Murni , Ariff Arbakariya B.
Published: October 2020

Growth of mutant gdhA Pasteurella multocida B:2 was inhibited by the accumulation of a by-product, namely ammonium in the culture medium during fermentation. The removal of this by-product during the cultivation of mutant gdhA P. multocida B:2 in a 2 L stirred-tank bioreactor integrated with an internal column using cation-exchange adsorption resin for the improvement of cell viability was studied. Different types of bioreactor system (dispersed and internal) with resins were successfully used for ammonium removal at different agitation speeds. The cultivation in a bioreactor integrated with an internal column demonstrated a significant improvement in growth performance of mutant gdhA P. multocida B:2 (1.05 × 1011 cfu/mL), which was 1.6-fold and 8.4-fold as compared to cultivation with dispersed resin (7.2 × 1010 cfu/mL) and cultivation without resin (1.25 × 1010 cfu/mL), respectively. The accumulation of ammonium in culture medium without resin (801 mg/L) was 1.24-fold and 1.37-fold higher than culture with dispersed resin (642.50 mg/L) and culture in the bioreactor integrated with internal adsorption (586.50 mg/L), respectively. Results from this study demonstrated that cultivation in a bioreactor integrated with the internal adsorption column in order to remove ammonium could reduce the inhibitory effect of this by-product and improve the growth performance of mutant gdhA P. multocida B:2.
Diversity and Dynamics of Seaweed Associated Microbial Communities Inhabiting the Lagoon of Venice
Authors: Juhmani Abdul-Salam , Vezzi Alessandro , Wahsha Mohammad , Buosi Alessandro , Pascale Fabio De , Schiavon Riccardo , Sfriso Adriano
Published: October 2020

Seaweeds are a group of essential photosynthetic organisms that harbor a rich diversity of associated microbial communities with substantial functions related to host health and defense. Environmental and anthropogenic stressors may disrupt the microbial communities and their metabolic activity, leading to host physiological alterations that negatively affect seaweeds’ performance and survival. Here, the bacterial communities associated with one of the most common seaweed, Ulva laetevirens Areshough, were sampled over a year at three sites of the lagoon of Venice affected by different environmental and anthropogenic stressors. Bacterial communities were characterized through Illumina sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA genes. The study demonstrated that the seaweed associated bacterial communities at sites impacted by environmental stressors were host-specific and differed significantly from the less affected site. Furthermore, these communities were significantly distinct from those of the surrounding seawater. The bacterial communities’ composition was significantly correlated with environmental parameters (nutrient concentrations, dissolved oxygen saturation, and pH) across sites. This study showed that several more abundant bacteria on U. laetevirens at stressed sites belonged to taxa related to the host response to the stressors. Overall, environmental parameters and anthropogenic stressors were shown to substantially affect seaweed associated bacterial communities, which reflect the host response to environmental variations.
Microbial Diversity and Nutritional Properties of Persian “Yellow Curd” (Kashk zard), a Promising Functional Fermented Food
Authors: Pakroo Shadi , Tarrah Armin , da Silva Duarte Vinícius , Corich Viviana , Giacomini Alessio
Published: October 2020

“Yellow curd” (YC) is one of the most popular homemade Persian fermented foods and is consumed by many people. Notwithstanding, no studies are available to date on its nutritional and microbiological composition. In this study, we examined YC samples obtained from different local markets of Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran. The results of the chemical analyses revealed a homogenous content of protein (13.71% ± 1.07), lipids (4.09% ± 0.73), and carbohydrates (61% ± 2.13) among the samples. By comparing the average mineral content of YC with yogurt, many relevant differences were detected. Apart from the calcium content, which was similar on average to that of YC, all other minerals tested are present in higher amounts in YC than in yogurt. The analysis of the main sugars present (i.e., lactose, galactose and glucose) highlighted relevant differences among samples, indicating that different YC samples contain natural strains with different capabilities to metabolize sugars. The concentration of galactose in YC samples should be taken into consideration by galactose intolerant people. From the microbiological perspective, the metagenomics analysis revealed that lactic acid bacteria, and particularly the genera Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Streptococcus, were dominant in YC. The information provided shows that YC is an interesting base for the preparation of novel functional foods with a good content of beneficial bacteria.
PGE-Cu-Ni Mineralization of Mafic-Ultramafic Massifs of the Khangai Upland, Western Mongolia
Authors: Shapovalova Maria , Tolstykh Nadezhda , Shelepaev Roman , Kalugin Valery
Published: October 2020

The mafic-ultramafic massifs with the PGE-Cu-Ni mineralization located in North-Central Mongolia: Oortsog, Dulaan, Mankhan, Yamat, and Nomgon were investigated. For the first time we consider these massifs as a single magmatic association and as fragments of Khangai batholith caused by the action of the plume responsible for the formation Permian Khangai LIP. The massifs fractionated from peridotite to gabbro have a similar typomorphic ore mineralogical and geochemical features, which change depending on the degrees of fractionation of magma and evolution of the sulfide melt. The least fractionated Oortsog massif originated from Ni-rich high-Mg basaltic magma. It is characterized by predominance of pyrrhotite mineralization due to exsolution of monosulfide solid solution (MSS). The most fractionated is the Nomgon massif originated from Cu-rich basaltic magma with bornite-chalcopyrite mineralization, formed as an exsolution of intermediate solid solution (ISS). The rest of the massifs have a medium characteristics between these two. The compositions of sulfides in the studied massifs change in accordance with the increase in sulfur fugacity from peridotite to gabbro: enrichment of pentlandite in Ni and pyrrhotite in S. The composition of PGM changes from Pt minerals in Oortsog massif to Pd minerals in Nomgon massif in the same direction. These massifs can be considered as potential for the PGE.
Shear-Hosted Uranium Deposits: A Review
Authors: Wilde Andy
Published: October 2020

A group of uranium deposits is described that is hosted within polyphase shear zones. The group is economically significant, collectively containing over 500,000 tonnes of uranium and several examples have been or are being mined. Over a hundred individual deposits are known widely spread over many countries. It is proposed that this group be assigned to a new shear-hosted uranium deposit category. Uranium deposition was superimposed upon intense and extensive feldspathic alteration formed during ductile deformation. This intense alteration has led to the alternative albitite-type or metasomatite-type nomenclature. The evidence is clear that in most cases uranium mineralization postdates regionally extensive feldspar alteration and is associated with a range of alteration assemblages which overprint early albite or K-feldspar dominant alteration. Abundance of hydrothermal zirconium and phosphate minerals is a common characteristic of this group which implies high activity of F and P during mineralisation, but the source of hydrothermal fluids remains uncertain. Also uncertain is the geodynamic setting of uranium mineralisation which is a consequence of absolute mineralisation age being poorly defined. Data from three of the four major districts are suggestive that mineralisation was a consequence of fluid migration along shears during regional compression. This paper reviews key aspects of the group in a mineral systems context, focussing on the four major districts of Kropyvnytskyi (Ukraine), Lagoa Real (Brazil), Mount Isa (Australia) and the Central Mineral Belt (Canada).
Overview of Energy Management and Leakage Control Systems for Smart Water Grids and Digital Water
Authors: Giudicianni Carlo , Herrera Manuel , Nardo Armando di , Adeyeye Kemi , Ramos Helena M.
Published: October 2020

Current and future smart cities are moving towards the zero-net energy use concept. To this end, the built environment should also be designed for efficient energy use and play a significant role in the production of such energy. At present, this is achieved by focusing on energy demand in buildings and to the renewable trade-off related to smart power grids. However, urban water distribution systems constantly carry an excess of hydraulic energy that can potentially be recovered to produce electricity. This paper presents a comprehensive review of current strategies for energy production by reviewing the state-of-the-art of smart water systems. New technologies (such as cyber-physical systems, digital twins, blockchain) and new methodologies (network dynamics, geometric deep learning) associated with digital water are also discussed. The paper then focuses on modelling the installation of both micro-turbines and pumps as turbines, instead of/together with pressure reduction valves, to further demonstrate the energy-recovery methods which will enable water network partitioning into district metered areas. The associated benefits on leakage control, as a source of energy, and for contributing to overall network resilience are also highlighted. The paper concludes by presenting future research directions. Notably, digital water is proposed as the main research and operational direction for current and future Water Distribution Systems (WDS) and as a holistic, data-centred framework for the operation and management of water networks.
New Fluorene Derivatives from Dendrobium gibsonii and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Thant May Thazin , Chatsumpun Nutputsorn , Mekboonsonglarp Wanwimon , Sritularak Boonchoo , Likhitwitayawuid Kittisak
Published: October 2020

Two new compounds, dihydrodengibsinin (1) and dendrogibsol (2), were isolated from the whole plant of Dendrobium gibsonii, together with seven known compounds (3–9). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by their spectroscopic data. All these isolates were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Dendrogibsol (2) and lusianthridin (7) showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity when compared with acarbose. An enzyme kinetic study revealed that dendrogibsol (2) is a noncompetitive inhibitor of α-glucosidase.
Catalytic Performance of a Magnetic Core-Shell Iron(II) C-Scorpionate under Unconventional Oxidation Conditions
Authors: Matias Inês A. S. , Ribeiro Ana P. C. , Ferraria Ana M. , Rego Ana M. Botelho do , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S.
Published: October 2020

For the first time, herein is reported the use of a magnetic core-shell support for a C-scorpionate metallic complex. The prepared hybrid material, that consists on the C-scorpionate iron(II) complex [FeCl2{κ3-HC(pz)3}] (pz, pyrazolyl) immobilized at magnetic core-shell particles (Fe3O4/TiO2), was tested as catalyst for the oxidation of secondary alcohols using the model substrate 1-phenylethanol. Moreover, the application of alternative energy sources (e.g., ultrasounds, microwaves, mechanical or thermal) for the peroxidative alcohol oxidation using the magnetic heterogenized iron(II) scorpionate led to different/unusual outcomes that are presented and discussed.
Assessment of the Theranostic Potential of Gold Nanostars—A Multimodal Imaging and Photothermal Treatment Study
Authors: D’Hollander Antoine , Vande Velde Greetje , Jans Hilde , Vanspauwen Bram , Vermeersch Elien , Jose Jithin , Struys Tom , Stakenborg Tim , Lagae Liesbet , Himmelreich Uwe
Published: October 2020

Gold nanoparticles offer the possibility to combine both imaging and therapy of otherwise difficult to treat tumors. To validate and further improve their potential, we describe the use of gold nanostars that were functionalized with a polyethyleneglycol-maleimide coating for in vitro and in vivo photoacoustic imaging (PAI), computed tomography (CT), as well as photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer cells and tumor masses, respectively. Nanostar shaped particles show a high absorption coefficient in the near infrared region and have a hydrodynamic size in biological medium around 100 nm, which allows optimal intra-tumoral retention. Using these nanostars for in vitro labeling of tumor cells, high intracellular nanostar concentrations could be achieved, resulting in high PAI and CT contrast and effective PTT. By injecting the nanostars intratumorally, high contrast could be generated in vivo using PAI and CT, which allowed successful multi-modal tumor imaging. PTT was successfully induced, resulting in tumor cell death and subsequent inhibition of tumor growth. Therefore, gold nanostars are versatile theranostic agents for tumor therapy.
Sustainable One-Step Solid-State Synthesis of Antibacterially Active Silver Nanoparticles Using Mechanochemistry
Authors: Kováčová Mária , Daneu Nina , Tkáčiková Ľudmila , Búreš Radovan , Dutková Erika , Stahorský Martin , Bujňáková Zdenka Lukáčová , Baláž Matej
Published: October 2020

A combination of solid-state mechanochemical and green approaches for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is explored in this study. Thymus serpyllum L. (SER), Sambucus nigra L. (SAM) and Thymus vulgaris L. (TYM) plants were successfully applied to reduce AgNO3 to AgNPs, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, with SER being the best reducing agent, and TYM being the worst. The experiments were performed via a one-step planetary milling process, where various AgNO3:plant mass ratios (1:1, 1:10, 1:50 and 1:100) were investigated. Atomic absorption spectrometry indicated that the stability of the mechanochemically produced AgNPs increased markedly when a sufficiently large quantity of the reducing plant was used. Furthermore, when larger quantities of plant material were employed, the crystallite size of the AgNPs decreased. TEM analysis revealed that all AgNPs produced from both AgNO3:plant ratios 1:1 and 1:10 exhibit the bimodal size distribution with the larger fraction with size in tens of nm and the smaller one below 10 nm in size. The antibacterial activity of the produced AgNPs was observed only for AgNO3:plant ratio 1:1, with the AgNPs prepared using SER showing the greatest antibacterial properties.
Design and Characterization of Glyceryl Monooleate-Nanostructures Containing Doxorubicin Hydrochloride
Authors: Gagliardi Agnese , Cosco Donato , Udongo Betty P. , Dini Luciana , Viglietto Giuseppe , Paolino Donatella
Published: October 2020

Glyceryl monooleate (GMO) is one of the most popular amphiphilic lipids, which, in the presence of different amounts of water and a proper amount of stabilizer, can promote the development of well defined, thermodynamically stable nanostructures, called lyotropic liquid crystal dispersions. The aim of this study is based on the design, characterization, and evaluation of the cytotoxicity of lyotropic liquid crystal nanostructures containing a model anticancer drug such as doxorubicin hydrochloride. The drug is efficiently retained by the GMO nanosystems by a remote loading approach. The nanostructures prepared with different non-ionic surfactants (poloxamers and polysorbates) are characterized by different physico-chemical features as a function of several parameters, i.e., serum stability, temperature, and different pH values, as well as the amount of cryoprotectants used to obtain suitable freeze-dried systems. The nanostructures prepared with poloxamer 407 used as a stabilizer show an increased toxicity of the entrapped drug on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) due to their ability to sensitize multidrug-resistant (MDR) tumor cells through the inhibition of specific drug efflux transporters. Moreover, the interaction between the nanostructures and the cells occurs after just a few hours, evidencing a huge cellular uptake of the nanosystems.
Linking Pharmacogenomic Information on Drug Safety and Efficacy with Ethnic Minority Populations
Authors: Li Dan , Xie April Hui , Liu Zhichao , Li Dongying , Ning Baitang , Thakkar Shraddha , Tong Weida , Xu Joshua
Published: October 2020

Numerous prescription drugs’ labeling contains pharmacogenomic (PGx) information to aid health providers and patients in the safe and effective use of drugs. However, clinical studies for such PGx biomarkers and related drug doses are generally not conducted in diverse ethnic populations. Thus, it is urgently important to incorporate PGx information with genetic characteristics of racial and ethnic minority populations and utilize it to promote minority health. In this project a bioinformatics approach was developed to enhance the collection of PGx information related to ethnic minorities to pave the way toward understanding the population-wide utility of PGx information. To address this challenge, we first gathered PGx information from drug labels. Second, we extracted data on the allele frequency information of genetic variants in ethnic minority groups from public resources. Then, we collected published research articles on PGx biomarkers and related drugs for reference. Finally, the data were integrated and formatted to build a new PGx database containing information on known drugs and biomarkers for ethnic minority groups. This database provides scientific information needed to evaluate available PGx information to enhance drug dose selection and drug safety for ethnic minority populations.
Exploiting the Natural Properties of Extracellular Vesicles in Targeted Delivery towards Specific Cells and Tissues
Authors: Lara Pablo , Chan Alan B. , Cruz Luis J. , Quest Andrew F. G. , Kogan Marcelo J.
Published: October 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of intercellular communication that participate in many physiological/pathological processes. As such, EVs have unique properties related to their origin, which can be exploited for drug delivery applications in cell regeneration, immunosuppression, inflammation, cancer treatment or cardioprotection. Moreover, their cell-like membrane organization facilitates uptake and accumulation in specific tissues and organs, which can be exploited to improve selectivity of cargo delivery. The combination of these properties with the inclusion of drugs or imaging agents can significantly improve therapeutic efficacy and selectivity, reduce the undesirable side effects of drugs or permit earlier diagnosis of diseases. In this review, we will describe the natural properties of EVs isolated from different cell sources and discuss strategies that can be applied to increase the efficacy of targeting drugs or other contents to specific locations. The potential risks associated with the use of EVs will also be addressed.